High Intelligence, Cunning Plans, Masterful Schemes, Treating the World Like a Chessboard 高智商，有谋略，算计足，以天下为棋

1. 501 藏 Thirteen Years Concealing My Edge 藏锋十三年 I Don't Like Egg Yolks不爱吃蛋黄啊Historical295k WordsOngoing The whole court laughs at me as a useless son-in-law, but behind the scenes, I move the pieces that control the realm. Top-tier political intrigue For ten years, he has lived as the adopted son-in-law of the Marquis of Huai'an. Everyone in the household thinks he's a useless freeloader. No one knows that the unremarkable old ledger he keeps close to his chest records the secrets every court official would most like to burn. When a Ministry of Revenue official dies under suspicious circumstances, 5Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Strategy, mind-bending

2. 502 武 Martial God Storm 武神风暴 Lab Rat实验小白鼠Eastern Fantasy7.6M WordsCompleted A boundless continent, vast seas, forbidden lands where life cannot survive, wicked forests, and endless primeval mountains. The world gave rise to ten golden ancient clans, alongside countless sacred lands and empires. They looked down upon all living beings and trampled everything beneath them. One thought could change the color of heaven and earth; one whim could spill blood across the sky. Here, billions of living beings revered martial strength, and empires prospered through the power of th 758Reads8.8Score102Shelves
3. 503 下 I Came Down from Heaven and Gave the Wrong Medicine, and the Matchmaker God Exploded 下凡喂错药，月老炸了 Seven Inkstones七砚书Marriage & Romance7k WordsCompleted I went down to the mortal world and gave someone the wrong medicine. The Matchmaker God is furious! 103Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 504 心 A Ruthless Villainess: Anyone Who Crosses Me Dies! 心狠手辣当恶女，负我者都得死！ Wish Power愿力Ancient Romance703k WordsCompleted Xu Qiuliang had never been loved as a child, so she desperately yearned for affection. She tried with all her might to be good to her family and husband, hoping to earn even a little warmth. But all she got in return was each of them stabbing her once, all for the sake of her legitimate older sister. Her father and mother: “Remember this. From now on, don't compete with your older sister!” Her eldest and second brothers: “You don't deserve these things. They're just right for A Nuan.” Her younge 1.7kReads8.8Score154Shelves

   Reader note

   The female lead is highly intelligent, shrewd, and strategic. [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

5. 505 灯 The Lamp Shines Where Worries Fade 灯照忘忧处 Seven Inkstones七砚书Ancient Romance155k WordsCompleted : Ling Xi is the lowest-ranking Spirit Guide in the Immortal Realm. Her duty is to light Spirit Guiding Lamps and lead the souls of those who died unjustly in the mortal world into reincarnation. But she has a secret: her lamp can guide not only ordinary souls, but also souls burdened by unresolved obsessions. And every time she helps a soul let go of its obsession, she forgets a memory connected to it. One day, she encounters the soul of a young man tightly entwi 39Reads—Score—Shelves
6. 506 满 My Whole Family Are Cannon Fodder, but After They Read My Mind, They Rebel 满门炮灰读我心后，全家造反了 I Really Love Little Crabs超爱小螃蟹Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Physical edition of "Claiming the Pearl 2" goes on presale October 17 at 7:30 p.m.] [Mind reading + System + adored by the whole family + transmigrate into a book + play the pig to eat the tiger] Qiao Jiaojiao had accumulated so much virtue in her past life that the Old King of Hell granted her a rebirth with all her memories intact, plus a golden finger: a Virtue Points Shop. Qiao Jiaojiao was thrilled to start her new life, only to discover she hadn't been reborn at all. She'd transmigrated i 124.4kReads9.7Score14.2kShelves

   Reader note

   This is truly mind-bending! There are no absolutely evil characters; everyone is a vibrant individual with exceptionally high intelligence. The world is used as a chessboard, and it's incredibly entertaining! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

7. 507 三 Three Kingdoms: From the Start, I Severed My Father-Son Ties with Cao Cao! 三国：开局和曹操断绝父子关系！ Tang Dynasty Genius大唐天才Historical675k WordsCompleted Cao Mao wakes up one day and discovers he has transmigrated as Cao Cao’s least favored and most lowly son, Cao Mao. Then, as soon as he arrives, he is branded with the shameful accusation of defiling his sister-in-law. Cao Cao’s coldness and disgust, combined with the fact that history has Cao Mao remaining lowly as an ant from beginning to end... So Cao Mao resolutely severs his father-son relationship and leaves the Cao family! Half a month later... “Chancellor, Cao Mao has captured Shouchun!” 7.2kReads8.6Score539Shelves

   Reader note

   In short, he was strategic, calculating, and used the world as his chessboard.

8. 508 我 I Opened a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty 我在大唐开酒馆 Little Fatty's Panda小胖的熊猫Historical2.1M WordsCompleted After transmigrating to the Tang Dynasty, Zhang Nuo only wanted to run his tavern in peace. Once he had improved his finances, he planned to buy a maid, marry a pretty wife, and live a good life. Instead, on his very first day in business, a special guest showed up: Li Shimin. As someone from another era, Zhang Nuo had a vision and knowledge far beyond those of his time. Even his casual remarks sounded like thunderclaps of revelation to Li Shimin. Before long, Zhang Nuo realized that things he'd 26.7kReads8.7Score2.2kShelves

   Reader note

   The first book is about a time traveler who arrives in the Tang Dynasty. They even build villas and plumbing systems – the author's imagination is truly boundless! The second book is about venturing into the martial arts world, but the beginning might be a little verbose, requiring some setup. It's incredibly enjoyable to read later on, and it's by the same author as *The Snow Sword*. The third book is amazing; it's a fantasy novel. The first few chapters are setup, and the later chapters are a series of interconnected events, making it incredibly engaging. The fourth book is about martial arts in the martial arts world, featuring four main characters with different personalities and fates. The fifth book is even more impressive. The protagonist is a time traveler who is possessed by his parallel self, essentially becoming a vessel. He then gains all sorts of abilities – a master thief, a scumbag, and various other versions of himself. The sixth book isn't about leveling up; it's about a time traveler who takes the imperial examinations and rises through the ranks. The seventh book is also about ancient history, with a time traveler and a system – a very interesting book with various intrigues and power struggles at the beginning.

9. 509 大 The Great An Chronicles: Demons in the Capital 大安伏妖录 Save the Hairline拯救发际线Eastern Fantasy714k WordsCompleted [Outlandish Fantasy] [Political Intrigue and Schemes] [Mystery and Deduction] [Decisive and Ruthless] The thousand-year feud between humans and demons... The clash between the imperial court and the martial world... The open and covert struggles between Buddhism and Taoism... One night, a cold wind blew. Waving his Mountains and Rivers Saber, Ye Sannian shouted at the monk: “Stop right there, bald donkey! Leave that stunning Taoist nun behind, and I’ll spare your worthless life!” 6Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book is all about intrigue and treachery; it's thrilling and exciting!

10. 510 春 Spring Banquet 春日宴 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted She kept male favorites and toyed with powerful ministers! For eight years, the arrogant and tyrannical Princess Danyang, Li Huaiyu, wreaked havoc across the court and country. She died on the day the new emperor ascended the throne, bleeding from every orifice in a truly gruesome death. The officials celebrated and the people rejoiced: Evil gets what it deserves! Good riddance! Yet on the seventh day after her death, Princess Danyang returned to life in the body of the Bai family’s Fourth Mis 13.6kReads9.4Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    All of them are truly masterpieces, highly recommended, all are high-scoring books! [Thumbs up][Thumbs up][Thumbs up] The characters in each book are portrayed with great detail. The first book, especially the part about the young marquis, made me cry buckets. The content is really super good, some plots are really heart-wrenching, but it's still a sweet romance. It's really super good, the author's writing is superb, highly recommended! The whole book is about the female lead's growth process, constantly striving to save her family, from an innocent and naive little girl to a strong and rational female lead, with a strong sense of career and not a love-struck persona. The male lead is a great actor, even he criticizes his own acting, and he uses self-inflicted suffering to attract the female lead's attention. He's jealous of himself, a bit of a brooding man, and has been plotting for a long time. His friend says he has the aura of a male ghost, and he guides his lover. The second book is an ancient romance without time travel, with a broad scope that incorporates national righteousness. The author's writing is delicate, the characters are well-developed, the characters' missions are closely linked to the plot, and the war descriptions are spot-on. The relationship between the male and female leads is complex, with sweet moments amidst the heartbreak, and a happy ending.

11. 511 重 Back to Being the Mastermind 重归幕后黑手 Zhu Jiuzhong鷟九重Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted (Traditional fantasy + multiple clones + no female lead + working behind the scenes, not political scheming) On the Tianwu Continent, martial strength reigns supreme; the Tianwu Dynasty was founded on the strength of arms! More than 3,800 years had passed since the founding of the Tianwu Dynasty. But fate is unpredictable. Ancient ruins suddenly began appearing across the land, and the great factions of the martial world fought openly and covertly over them. Conflict erupted everywhere, and even 792Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist secretly builds the most powerful force in the world behind his father's (the emperor's) back. Note: The protagonist is a reincarnated individual who travels back in time to scheme against the world.

12. 512 女 After Faking Her Death in Disguise as a Man, She Starts Playing the Frail, Scheming Green Tea 女扮男装死后，她开始演柔弱绿茶 Ye Buhong叶不鸿Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted The print edition of [Playing Coy] is available on all platforms. [The heroine is everyone’s beloved, with maximum “moonlight in the heart” appeal + doted on by all + universally adored + strong female lead] Qin Buwen disguised herself as a man and played the part of a treacherous official for sixteen years. At the height of her infamy, everyone in Chang’an, even the dogs, would go out of their way to avoid her. Then she was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. She leapt from a tall building, onl 37kReads9.4Score5.8kShelves
13. 513 金 The Golden Badge Magistrate 金牌县令 Returning Heart归心Historical2.7M WordsCompleted By a stroke of bad luck, I transmigrated to ancient times and became a low-ranking, ninth-grade official. Watch me use the System to stand up for the people, wield absolute power, leave my name in the history books, and hold the world in the palm of my hand! 3.1kReads8.3Score259Shelves
14. 514 绝 The Peerless Mad Emperor 绝世狂帝 Watermelon Dumpling西瓜小丸子Eastern Fantasy1.8M WordsOngoing The ruler of a great nation, the Western Chu Heavenly Emperor, fought ten great Heavenly Demons, only to be outmaneuvered by treacherous enemies and die with his blood spilled across the continent. Carrying memories of the future, he returns to his youth, five hundred years in the past. Given a second life, he is determined to make up for the regrets of his former one! He will cultivate the mightiest arts, walk the path of the invincible, and become the Supreme Ancient Emperor! None can defeat h 112Reads7.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These two will definitely satisfy you, it's just that the first one was rushed and the ending wasn't finished.

15. 515 成 What on Earth Is This? Complete in Two Volumes (The Original Novel Behind the Hit Drama Starring Wang Churan and Cheng Lei) 成何体统：全二册（王楚然、丞磊主演热播影视剧原著） Qi Yingjun七英俊Anime Fanfiction314k WordsCompleted What is it like to transmigrate into a web novel and become the tyrant's bedmate? After a few simple calculations, Yu Wanyin reached a conclusion: she would have to find another way. In this story full of villains, if she wanted to carve out a path to survival, she had to become the biggest villain of all. First, help the tyrant take down Prince Duan, then take down the tyrant and become empress herself. But when she met the tyrant and carefully considered the strange sense of familiarity in his 40.3kReads9.7Score6.3kShelves
16. 516 问 The Case Against Chang'an 问罪长安 Yue Mo月莫Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted You see a world of flowers in full bloom, a land of magnificent beauty. I see only broken bones buried beneath the earth and wronged spirits hidden in the darkness. This is the transmigration journey of a forensic doctor who is brilliant in both letters and arms but struggles with psychological issues and fears the dark, blood, and the dead. Fortunately, love can cure anything. 80Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I just discovered a novel where the female lead is so smart! It's based on a real person, and listening to it while doing housework makes my lips curl into a slight smile. I always want to hear a voice while I'm doing something. It makes even housework seem less difficult! 🤪🤪

17. 517 假 The Fake Princess Stumbles into the Imperial Family, Leaving the Entire Dynasty Enchanted 假皇女误闯天家，全皇朝惊艳沦陷 Three Lives, Three Three叁生三三Ancient Romance986k WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue and a Powerful Heroine]+ [The Perfect Imposture]+ [An Ensemble of Young Characters]+ [A Sage’s Selfish Desires] Ten years ago, foreign rebels stormed into Sheng’an. The empress sacrificed herself for her country and named Princess Wei Baoning crown princess, heir to the throne. That same year, lightning struck the imperial mausoleum, and the young princess was buried in a sea of flames. No body was ever found. The following month, a new emperor ascended the throne. Over the n 48.2kReads9.4Score5.2kShelves
18. 518 我EN My Right Eye is a God-Tier Computer 我的右眼是神级计算机 Wang Zilü王自律Sci-Fi & Apocalypse3.2M WordsCompleted I am the super artificial intelligence in your eyes. You humans call an IQ of 85 stupid and an IQ of 135 smart, but you will never understand what an IQ of 125,000 means! From now on, I will be your right-hand man! 162.4kReads9.2Score21.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The beginning is a fast-paced, enjoyable read, but the later parts have a vast world-building that requires a lot of thought.

19. 519 地 The Eighteen Levels of Hell: Lying is Forbidden Here 地狱十八层：这里禁止说谎 Two Liang of Plain Water二两白开Mystery2.3M WordsOngoing [No System, no power fantasy, no harem, no saintly protagonist. Mind games + wits and strategy + locked-room mysteries + deduction.] Chen Ran is a good person. He went to hell. This is the Tongue-Ripping Hell, where lying is forbidden, so everyone lies about their lies. Differences in how people believe lies should be handled gave rise to two major alliances. The Lie-Slayer Alliance: Lie, and you're killed instantly. The Strange-Tongue Alliance: Turn lies into the truth. A beginner's tutorial wi 76.2kReads9.1Score11.9kShelves
20. 520 京 Scheming in the Capital 京华嫡谋 Qiqi 2026柒柒2026Ancient Romance664k WordsCompleted At fifteen, Shen Mingyuan, a legitimate daughter from Jiangnan, returned to the capital at her father’s command. It looked as though she had come home to settle down, but in truth she was drawn into the power struggles of the Prime Minister’s household and the schemes of the court. Her father, Shen Yanzhi, treated her as a pawn to curry favor with Prince Jing, while her stepmother and half-sister repeatedly framed her. Meanwhile, clues to the truth behind her mother’s brutal death began to emerg 70.3kReads8.5Score5.8kShelves

    Reader note

    Looking for a historical romance/political intrigue novel? Check out "Last Year's Lantern Festival: Lanterns Like Daylight"... The female protagonist accidentally stumbles into the tent of a powerful figure, uncovering a shocking trap set by the Empress Dowager. She survives by relying on her knowledge and skill to carve out a path to safety. A high-energy battle of wits from start to finish!!

21. 521 黑 The Crown of the Dark Moon 黑月光冠冕 Three Lives, Three Three叁生三三Modern Romance2.5M WordsCompleted [The first print volume is now available] [Sweet Romance in a Wealthy Family] + [A Forbidden Love Falls from Its Pedestal] + [Characters Awaken] + [A Chaotic Love Rival Showdown] “You are a cannon-fodder character in this world. Your character tags are: beautiful, vicious, and stupid. When you were eight, you were adopted by the Shen family, the most powerful family in Whale Harbor. The head of the family treasured you like a gem, but you joined forces with your villainous mother to scheme agai 319.2kReads9.5Score43.7kShelves
22. 522 宗 The Chronicles of Clan Feuds and Grudges 宗武：世仇恩怨录 Lao Baliang老八两Eastern Fantasy1.2M WordsCompleted Rushing waterfalls surge out of the primordial wilderness, while winding roads stretch into the distance. Through the jianghu we travel, with chivalrous hearts and passions, our heroic spirit forever enduring. Riding across the land, sleeping beneath the stars, standing firm amid the mighty river's current. All praise those who hold up the sky and clouds in their hands, ridding the world of demons and beasts. A century passes, a moment of love; a barren hill, a tomb. Has love truly ended? The he 23Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Martial arts novels set in the Jianghu (, a term referring to the martial arts world of martial arts and chivalry).

23. 523 将 The General's Adorable Forensic Doctor 将军家的仵作娇娘 Wen Ting温听Ancient Romance429k WordsCompleted Sickly beauty Su Yihan vs. unruly General Shen Su Yihan, daughter of the Commander of the Imperial Guard, was born with an illness and was a delicate beauty. Lord Su cherished her as if she were the apple of his eye. Once, when a mischievous young man made suggestive remarks to her, Lord Su chased him for two whole streets and beat the brat until he screamed. Her several older male cousins treated her like fragile porcelain, protecting her with the utmost care. They always saved the best food an 750Reads9.3Score116Shelves

    Reader note

    These few books, although the female lead isn't strong in combat, she's a master of psychological manipulation when it comes to killing. 🌚🌚

24. 524 第 First Rate! 第一流！ Zhong Jiuling钟九陵Eastern Fantasy3.0M WordsCompleted [No female lead, no formulaic tropes, not a power fantasy. Excellent writing and a first-rate plot. If that’s not your thing, don’t read.] Year thirty-one of the New Era. Snow fell in the bitter cold of winter. Many things happened that year. The Divine Church gained a new Divine Son, the Buddhist faith saw thirty-six golden lotuses bloom, and a madman emerged from a crumbling Taoist temple. The North Sea churned, threatening to swallow heaven and earth. A tiny blade of grass grew in the De 40.1kReads8.5Score3.5kShelves

    Reader note

    This novel features no female lead, breaks away from conventional tropes, and is not a wish-fulfillment story; it boasts superb writing. In the thirty-first year of the new calendar, during a harsh winter, a new divine son emerges from the Divine Cult, a golden lotus blooms in Buddhism, and an extraordinary person emerges from a dilapidated Taoist temple. The North Sea is in turmoil, and strange phenomena occur in the Demon Kingdom. At this time, a brother and sister, carrying a tattered letter, step outside Chang'an City. Years later, embroiled in the world's conflicts, Li Ziji sits alone atop a mountain peak, long sword across his knees, uttering the words, "I would rather suffer eternal damnation than seek liberation from the saints."

25. 525 大 The Boss Puts on a Secret Identity and Takes the Court by Storm 大佬她披上马甲A爆朝堂 Sleepy Cat猫沉沉Ancient Romance810k WordsCompleted To avenge her elder brother, she disguises herself as a man and enters the government as an official. The officials soon notice that Lord Yuchi, once as gentle as jade, has become bold and dazzlingly cool. The cute, soft-spoken young woman is sweet on the outside but ruthless within: clever, calculating, wealthy, and armed with plenty of secret identities. She doesn't even blink as she takes down her powerful political rival. As she keeps tormenting him, the feared minister falls for her... Qin, 596Reads9.1Score123Shelves
26. 526 恶 Demon Game: I Can Command Unmatched Luck! 恶魔游戏，我能驾御无双运势！ Can Sleep Even Standing Up站着也能睡着Mystery2.2M WordsOngoing [Mind Games and Deception + No Dumbed-Down Characters + No Saintly Hero + Infinite Worlds + Horror Game + Mastermind of Fate] Su Yi, a mystery novelist, was chosen for a demonic game that stakes players' lives. From the start, he drew the unpopular class of Deceiver and was cursed with only sixty days left to live. Demonic Game: “Do you want supernatural power? Do you want astonishing wealth?” “Then win the Demonic Game and stay alive...” Su Yi: “I'll gamble sixty years of my lifespan for t 30.9kReads9.1Score4.7kShelves

    Reader note

    A mind-bending work, guaranteed to burn out your CPU. High IQ required.

27. 527 天 Heaven’s Aid 天之佐 The Robin Who Can't Outlaugh Anyone笑不穿的知更鸟Urban566k WordsOngoing [Sci-Fi] [Urban] [Martial Combat] [Wits and Strategy] [Teamwork] [Comedy] [Lighthearted] [Underdog] [Awakening] [Superhumans] [Ensemble Cast] Lan Tianzuo is an ordinary high school student. He never expected to get caught up in a conflict between superhumans before the college entrance exams, or to discover by chance that he had two souls in one body, along with supernatural abilities like blood replication and blood-based healing. In an instant, he went from being a good-for-nothing to ascendin 392Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Using the world as a chessboard

28. 528 妻 My Wife’s Crimes Are Heinous, and She Shows No Remorse 妻主罪恶滔天，死不悔改 Lucky Blue-and-White Porcelain幸运的青花瓷Ancient Romance597k WordsCompleted [Female-dominant world / strong heroine / a rotten woman reborn and remorseful / heroine stays wicked from beginning to end / devoted to her husband / not a brainless power fantasy / System / one-on-one romance / after the heroine is reborn, she has no other men; decide for yourselves whether the leads are virgins, I’m done labeling it / the male and female leads’ bodies are not swapped] Jiang Tang admits she has never been a good person. She’ll do anything to get what she wants, and beneath her 8.2kReads9.0Score658Shelves

    Reader note

    🎋🍊In her past life, the female protagonist was betrayed by her confidant and stabbed by her husband. Her late husband, dressed in patched clothes, knelt before her as she lost control of her bladder, saying he would take her home. Reborn, she is filled with remorse and guilt, and finally understands!

29. 529 大 Under Currents in Great Sheng 大晟暗涌 Su Yichen718苏亦辰718Historical587k WordsOngoing An epic tale of political intrigue set in an imaginary ancient dynasty. Spanning seven volumes and a million words, with five POV storylines, it depicts princes vying for the throne, secret wars among powerful clans, and the games of the heart amid flames of war on the frontier. 53Reads—Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    The protagonist is not the type to ostentatiously vie for the throne. He deliberately hides his talents and pretends to be insignificant. Under the scrutiny and probing of various forces, he gathers clues through observation and deduction, proceeding cautiously step by step, without using any cheat codes to crush everything in his path.

30. 530 掀 Flip the Table! The Legitimate Daughter Returns to Make Her Mark! 掀桌子！归来嫡女要立威！ Xuan Ying Luo玄英落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Political Intrigue + Feel-Good Story + Sharp Tongues + Ensemble Cast + Nation and Family + Two Strong Leads + Devoted Couple] The legitimate daughter of a general's household, who had been left to fend for herself in the countryside, was maliciously attacked. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Liu Qingyue, China's top special agent. Determined to repay her master's kindness in recognizing her abilities, Liu Qingyue accepted his dying wish, left the Taoist temple, and returned home t 8.5kReads9.1Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    Hello everyone! Little Jiu'er is here to recommend some books! ① [Ruthless Heiress X Powerful, Cold-Blooded Prime Minister] "He taught me how to kill, how to wield power, and how to protect myself; I'll teach him what a weakness is." ② Liu Qingyue possesses exceptional intelligence and martial prowess; she is vengeful and decisive. Some say the court is treacherous, and a single misstep can plunge one into a quagmire from which there is no escape. Who would have thought that Liu Qingyue, with her rebellious spirit, would engage in a verbal battle with a powerful minister on her first day in court, infuriating the entire court to the point of near collapse, leaving them speechless with rage…

31. 531 蛮 The Savage Era 蛮荒记 Tianxia Farm天下农庄Eastern Fantasy1.5M WordsCompleted [Primordial World, Invincible, Otherworld, the Myriad Worlds, Female Lead, No Harem, World-Destroying] One flower, one world. One leaf, one pursuit. One song, one sigh. One lifetime devoted to one person. One glance, one breathtaking beauty. One step, one descent into obsession. One thought, one dream. One lifetime spent waiting for one person. Pangu, alone with an axe, fought across the highest heavens, all for the sake of waiting for one person in this life… 5.2kReads7.0Score428Shelves

    Reader note

    A misty haze rises from the Kunlun snow-capped mountains, clouds shroud the immortal peaks, obscuring the passage of time. Riding the wind on a sword, I seek the Purple Palace; feasting on rosy clouds and resting under the moon, I visit the true immortals. The Golden Elixir undergoes nine cycles to open the path to immortality; a thousand layers of sword shadows break karmic entanglements. A scroll of immortal scripture hides a wondrous realm; I invite you to enter the Great Void Heaven together.

32. 532 荆 The Wind Rises in Jingdu, Awaiting the Coming Rain 荆都风来待雨临 Rain Falls on Jingdu雨落荆都Historical1.9M WordsOngoing Overnight, a young blacksmith from a shop in Shengang becomes the last surviving grandson of a powerful family of scholars, whose influence once reached the highest halls of government. A pigeon’s whistle marks the way home, and old books conceal a conspiracy. With a nameless sword in hand, carrying his grandfather’s hopes and his adoptive father’s instructions, he steps into the turbulent world of Jingdu. The Shanfu Academy, deep within the Imperial College, is no ordinary place of learning. It 105Reads8.7Score125Shelves

    Reader note

    A storm is brewing in the imperial court; a tempest is brewing. Watch as a young man breaks through the impasse and turns the tide! A must-see!

33. 533 父 Father, I Only Want to Be a Prince 父皇，我只想当个王爷 A Man with a Wu Hook男儿带吴钩Historical5.3M WordsCompleted In the 115th year of the Jingli era, the realm was in turmoil, with three kingdoms standing in opposition. On that day, Ye Zhuo, heir to the Prince of Shou, opened his eyes after being unconscious for three years... Ye Zhuo only wanted to live a quiet, carefree life as a hedonistic playboy. But he was so outstanding that he shone wherever he went. See how Ye Zhuo carves out a path to becoming a wise prince in this chaotic age, one that belongs to him alone! 27.4kReads8.7Score2.3kShelves

    Reader note

    It's not only strategic, but also a bit funny.

34. 534 灰 The Gray Lotus 灰莲花 Clouds of Rough Noodles Again又见糙面云Modern Romance819k WordsCompleted [A textbook case of realist business warfare + a deeply romantic, top-tier intellectual romance] The world has gone mad. A top-tier rich, handsome young heir is forced to compete with his wealthy wife for a lover... “If she likes me and I like her too, then we’ll each have to prove ourselves.” The male lead is loaded with resources and comes with every advantage, while the female lead has brains and beauty and rises from humble beginnings. A textbook case of realist business warfare, arranged fa 36.3kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This is the most enjoyable contemporary romance novel I've read this year. It's a pinnacle of intellectual romance, not suitable for younger readers with little social experience. The business warfare parts are incredibly thrilling, and the strong-willed romance is particularly captivating. The writing is superb, far superior to that of novice authors. The only problem is the lack of suitable alternatives. If anyone can find a book of this caliber, please recommend one to me.

35. 535 逆 The Rebellious Immortal: Little Demoness of Chaos 逆仙之混沌小魔女 A Lone Wolf from the Northwest一匹西北的孤狼Eastern Fantasy312k WordsOngoing Have you ever seen cultivation like this? Ascending to immortality isn't a glorious honor. It means being branded with a slave mark and serving as Heaven's "spiritual energy battery" for all eternity. The harder you cultivate, the farther freedom slips away. This is the world Su Nianwei transmigrated to: an apocalypse where the Immortal Dao has become a prison and the laws of Heaven have crumbled. She was a "good-for-nothing pill girl" abandoned by her family. Her dantian was damaged, her spirit 100Reads—Score—Shelves
36. 536 逆 Defying Heaven's Cute Beast: The Peerless Demoness Rules the World 逆天萌兽：绝世妖女倾天下 First Day, Seeing the Moon初一见月Ancient Romance6.2M WordsCompleted [Print Edition of One Thought, Ashes Return to the Mountain: Preorders Open September 27 at 7 p.m.] Her own sister ripped out her phoenix bone, stole her talent, and tossed her into the Demon Rift like a dog! But against all odds, she survived and became the little demon girl cherished in the palms of the monsters living in the Demon Rift! The monsters of the Demon Rift: “Anyone who lays a hand on Niannian declares war on our entire demon clan!” She returns to the Five Continents, cuts down her 148.2kReads9.6Score19.2kShelves

    Reader note

    This book is hilarious. But the intelligence is hidden in the details. The strategies and calculations are also quite sophisticated. Highly recommended.

37. 537 都 We're Cultivating Immortality Now. Who Fights One-on-One? 都修仙了谁跟你单打独斗？ The Embarrassed Jade Emperor没面子的天王老子Eastern Fantasy1.0M WordsCompleted [A villain story with no harem, no tired tropes, no overpowered hero, no System, no brainless plot, and no wish fulfillment. If that's not your thing, read no further.] Warning: intense plot ahead. This is a story-driven novel, not wish fulfillment, not wish fulfillment, not wish fulfillment, and not about an invincible hero slaughtering everyone in sight. If that's not your thing, please move along!!! This is no conventional villain story. It is a clash of political intrigue and human nature. L 1.2kReads7.9Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    Then we must mention this book, which tells the story of a mortal man scheming to conquer the world and reach the pinnacle of cultivation.

38. 538 微 Tipsy 《微醺》 A Lone Wolf from the Northwest一匹西北的孤狼Marriage & Romance34k WordsCompleted Tipsy 152Reads—Score—Shelves
39. 539 郡 The Commandery Princess Returns to the Capital, So Why Is the Entire Marquis’s Household Dead? 郡主一回京，侯府怎么死光了？ Dancing Sunflower跳舞的向日葵Ancient Romance607k WordsCompleted [Satisfying family-intrigue story + ruthless heroine + face-slapping the villains] Qu Ling was framed by her stepmother and left the Marquis's residence for six years. When she returned to the capital, happiness wasn't waiting for her. Instead, she was driven step by step to the brink of madness. In the end, she went mad and killed everyone in the marquis's household, paying for it with her own life. After coming back to life, Qu Ling took up her knife. She no longer needed to go mad to slaughte 33.1kReads9.2Score4.4kShelves

    Reader note

    If you're looking for a good book, read the first chapter and you'll be hooked! [Already hooked!] The female lead is meticulous and cunning. Before returning to her residence, she takes down two enemies, becomes a princess, and her entire family suffers whatever fate deems deserving, with no one able to pinpoint her faults. Anyone who bullies her suffers a terrible end. Every female supporting character is not a weakling; on the contrary, they are all brave, resourceful, and meticulous. The Empress appoints her daughter as Crown Prince and establishes a girls' school. Opposition will result in your family's secrets being thoroughly investigated and you being executed.

40. 540 麻 The Divine Son-in-Law in Hemp Clothes 麻衣神婿 Rise to Godhood in One Move一举成神Mystery3.2M WordsCompleted The day I was born, strange omens appeared in the sky. To keep me alive, my grandfather came out of retirement and arranged an engagement to prolong my life. Twenty years later, thanks to the great fortune my grandfather bestowed on her family, my fiancée had become the richest woman in the land, yet her family broke off our engagement. They had badly underestimated my grandfather’s power and my background. Then karma came knocking... 9.2kReads8.5Score944Shelves

    Reader note

    Using five thousand years of Chinese civilization as the chessboard and the spirit of Chinese civilization as the catalyst, this epic war spanning ten thousand years is about to begin, where the Human Emperor will never be defeated.

41. 541 我 My Brilliant Galaxy 我的璀璨星河 A Lone Wolf from the Northwest一匹西北的孤狼Marriage & Romance14k WordsCompleted My Brilliant Galaxy 102Reads—Score—Shelves
42. 542 剑 Beneath the Sword 剑之下 The Golden Retriever at Home Is Called Bean Cake家有金毛唤豆糕Eastern Fantasy125k WordsOngoing Wang Zhan lives by one creed: If someone treats me with an inch of respect, I’ll repay them tenfold! If someone bullies me for a moment, I’ll make their life miserable! Watch as a fallen youth survives against all odds and stirs up trouble once more! Watch as a single sword cleaves mountains, parts seas, splits the heavens, and slays gods! 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I absolutely rave about this novel! It's incredibly good, and it gets better the more you read. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes novels without a female lead—it'll get your blood pumping!

43. 543 官 Thunderous Crackdown on Black Crime in the Political Arena 官场之雷霆扫黑 Wen Tianyu问天羽Urban769k WordsOngoing The chessboard of power, every move calculated, every step taken on thin ice. No matter how cautious you are, you can never guard against everything. Li Yan, a community officer at a local police station, starts from the very bottom. He refuses to buckle under pressure and fears no powerful figures. With thunderous force, he uproots every criminal gang and underworld faction. Step by step, he rises to the pinnacle of power! 93.7kReads8.1Score7.2kShelves

    Reader note

    A highly suspenseful novel filled with political intrigue. Ratings and readership are slowly climbing.

44. 544 绝 A Peerless Beauty 绝色.佳人 A Lone Wolf from the Northwest一匹西北的孤狼20k WordsCompleted A Peerless Beauty 113Reads—Score—Shelves
45. 545 纨 The Pampered Life of a Spoiled Commandery Princess 纨绔郡主得宠日常 Zhao Pian赵骗Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Signed for publication. The print edition is expected to be available by the end of the year. No! This! Is! Not! A! Romance! No CP! No rebirth, no transmigration, a thoroughly evil heroine, a power-struggle story A truly wicked heroine, vying for power over the realm, genuinely unhinged, ruthless, and rotten to the core Questions that come up while reading can only be answered by reading on. The willful, overbearing young princess of the Prince of Zhenbei’s household takes a fancy to Pei Jinnian 51.1kReads9.4Score6.4kShelves

    Reader note

    This isn't just a simple palace intrigue; it's a power struggle arena for adults. There are no absolutely good or bad people; everyone has selfish motives, and every word is calculated. Reading it will send chills down your spine.

46. 546 美 Where Have All the Beauties Gone? 美女都死哪去了？ A Lone Wolf from the Northwest一匹西北的孤狼17k WordsCompleted Where Have All the Beauties Gone? 45Reads—Score—Shelves
47. 547 莫 Don't Be Fooled by Her Sweet Looks, the Young Lord Marries Into Her Family 莫道娇娇不销魂，世子扶腰倒插门 The Girl Who Walks Sideways姑娘横着走Ancient Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Chu Yan is alluring and irresistible. A mere glimpse of her charm is enough to haunt countless men’s dreams at night. Only Li Yin, the second son of Prince Ning, looks down on her. “Chu Yan is so beautiful, and you see her every day. Aren’t you tempted?” Li Yin snorts. “A venomous beauty, shameless and full of schemes. Anyone who falls for her is a dog!” That night, Li Yin corners her by the bed. “First you flirted with my older brother, then you lured a prince, and you even used your charms on 9.7kReads9.2Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    The interactions between the male and female leads are hilarious, and they're both incredibly intelligent.

48. 548 做 Be the Leading Lady of Your Own Life 做自己的.大女主 A Lone Wolf from the Northwest一匹西北的孤狼10k WordsCompleted Be the Leading Lady of Your Own Life 29Reads—Score—Shelves
49. 549 长 Immortality 长生 Feng Yu Jiuqiu风御九秋Eastern Fantasy2.5M WordsCompleted Ever since he was young, the boy Changsheng has inexplicably been struck by heavenly lightning time and again. He is saved by Daoist Lin, who takes him in as his final disciple. Daoist Lin was an abandoned disciple of Gezao Mountain, with the Daoist title Luoyangzi. For years, he explored tombs not for wealth, but to find treasures that could extend the life of the woman he loved. Before his death, he divides the secret manuals taken from the tomb among his five disciples and entrusts Changsheng 28.8kReads9.1Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    They are all books I've read that contain strategies.

50. 550 天 Fish of the World 天下游鱼 Happy Acorn开心橡果Eastern Fantasy7.5M WordsCompleted By the Canglan River, a young man wears a straw raincoat and bamboo hat, holding wine in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. His heart has no place in the world, yet he finds himself in the jianghu... I come from a place beyond knowing. I want to see this world, just as unknown to me... 90.5kReads9.0Score8.8kShelves

    Reader note

    I feel like Tomato (the author)'s two books are perfect for characters with high intelligence, strategic thinking, and unparalleled cunning! The protagonists of both *Yan Yu Lou* and *Fan Ren Ce* are handsome young men who initially seem hopeless in martial arts but actually possess immense potential! They're also surrounded by powerful figures and have incredibly wealthy families. The plots are intricately linked, making it impossible to stop reading and following along!

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