Dive into the electrifying universe of The Path of Ascension, where monsters lurk in rifts and a young orphan named Matt battles for vengeance and glory! Written by C. Mantis, this Xianxia-LitRPG series blends the grind of game-like progression with the soul of cultivation fantasy, delivering a fresh, action-packed saga that’s hooked millions on Royal Road. With its rational hero, intricate world, and heart-pounding stakes, it’s a must-read for fans of Cradle or Iron Prince.
Picture a cosmos where power is earned through tiers, and ascending means facing beasts, rivals, and your own limits. Matt, alongside his fiery companion Liz and frost-fox Aster, navigates this brutal path, making The Path of Ascension a thrilling ride for readers craving epic battles and deep character bonds.
How The Path of Ascension Began
C. Mantis launched The Path of Ascension as a web serial on Royal Road, where its unique blend of LitRPG mechanics and Xianxia cultivation struck a chord, amassing over five million views. Inspired by genre giants like Will Wight, Mantis crafted a world where technology meets mysticism, and hard work trumps destiny. The series’ success led to polished novels published by Aethon Books, with audiobooks narrated by J.S. Arquin bringing Matt’s journey to life.
What started as a passion project evolved into a nine-book epic (and counting), fueled by Mantis’ knack for logical magic systems and relatable characters. The community’s love on platforms like Reddit and Goodreads pushed the series from niche gem to a standout in progressive fantasy.
The Heart of The Path of Ascension
The series kicks off with The Path of Ascension (2022), where Matt, orphaned by rift-spawned monsters, discovers his seemingly weak Tier 1 Talent holds game-breaking potential. With a stolen skill and mentors’ backing, he joins the Path, an empire-wide race to ascend tiers. The Path of Ascension 2 (2022) dives deeper into training and political intrigue, while The Path of Ascension 5 (2023) showcases a thrilling tournament arc at Tier 10. The Path of Ascension 7 (2024) pushes Matt, Liz, Aster, and newcomer Susanne through the grueling Minkalla arc, testing their limits.
Themes of perseverance, found family, and rational problem-solving shine through a setting that’s both sci-fi sleek and cultivation-rich. Unlike traditional Xianxia’s lone heroes, Mantis emphasizes teamwork, with Matt’s crew balancing strengths and flaws. The magic system, rooted in consistent rules, rewards strategy over brute force, while rifts—dungeons teeming with beasts—keep the action visceral. Readers praise the series for avoiding clichés like bland protagonists or cartoonish villains, though some note pacing hiccups in later books.
The world feels alive, blending advanced tech (think AI-driven stat analysis) with cosmic stakes, where ascension to Tier 50 promises legendary status. It’s a universe where every fight matters, and every bond shapes the journey.
Why The Path of Ascension Resonates
The Path of Ascension has carved a niche in the LitRPG and Xianxia genres, offering a modern twist on cultivation that feels accessible yet deep. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about its world-building and likable cast, comparing it to Cradle for its progression and Iron Prince for its camaraderie. Despite criticism of slower arcs like Minkalla, the series’ focus on character growth and strategic combat keeps readers invested.
Its impact lies in bridging genres, appealing to both LitRPG gamers and Xianxia purists. As a Royal Road success story, it’s inspired aspiring authors, proving web serials can rival traditional novels. With a ninth book slated for June 2025, The Path of Ascension’s legacy is still unfolding, captivating readers with its relentless drive.
- Publication Start: 2022
- Books Released: 8, with 9th coming June 2025
- Views on Royal Road: Over 5 million
- Publisher: Aethon Books
Ready to battle rift beasts and climb the tiers? Grab The Path of Ascension and join Matt’s epic quest in this Xianxia-LitRPG adventure!