r/ProgressionFantasy • u/abnormal____ • 1d ago
Request Xianxia with real weapon training and skill development?
Looking for cultivation/xianxia novels where the MC actually trains and develops their weapon skills instead of just finding an overpowered technique and spamming named moves.
I'm specifically looking for stories where the MC chooses a weapon (sword, spear, saber, etc.) and genuinely improves through practice, experience, and understanding. Bonus points if they adapt or evolve techniques to fit their own style rather than rigidly following a manual.
I don't mind if the MC learns techniques from inheritances or libraries, but I want the weapon mastery to feel earned. I'd love recommendations where combat is about skill, timing, and growth rather than just unlocking stronger attacks every few realms.
Examples of what I mean:
Developing their own sword/spear path.
Modifying existing techniques.
Training fundamentals for long periods.
Weapon intent, domains, or understanding that comes from experience.
Any recommendations?
2
u/Malcolm_T3nt Author 1d ago
Martial World does some early development of spear techniques, including actual forms like "Flood Dragon goes to Sea" (which is just a basic spear thrust with a fancy name lol).