Overview
- The return of the protagonist from Return of the Blossoming Blade is celebrated for his formidable strength, engaging personality, and unpredictability.
- A variety of martial arts manhwa offer readers similar themes and narratives, expanding their choices.
- Supporting characters in Master of Lightning Knives exhibit a brilliance comparable to that found in Return of the Blossoming Blade.
Martial arts is a prevalent theme within manhwa, often enriched by Eastern traditions and mythologies. Among these, Return of the Blossoming Blade differentiates itself with exceptional writing, captivating characters, and a unique style. Readers are particularly fond of Cheongmyeong, the lead character, who brings strength, a compelling attitude, and a sense of unpredictability to the narrative, complemented by thrilling battles and humorous interludes.
As new chapters continue to be published, fans of the genre can explore a plethora of manhwa that resonate with the same themes or offer entirely different narratives with a similar engaging spirit.
Updated February 21, 2025 by Garrett Huon: While Return of the Blossoming Blade remains a fan favorite in the martial arts genre, a wave of new manhwa since 2024 have explored analogous themes, captivating readers further.
Recent titles such as Reincarnated Murim Lord and Absolute Regression have emerged, showcasing impressive storytelling and intense action sequences.Murim Login has also gained attention due to its stylistic parallels, despite diverging in content.
1. Reincarnated Murim Lord
Reincarnated to Rebuild What’s Been Broken
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.13
- Published: 2024 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Reincarnation
- Author: Yeonghun Jang
- Illustrator : Bookyeom
The core of reincarnation tales often revolves around redemption and rebuilding fractured relationships. In Reincarnated Murim Lord, the protagonist, Alliance Lord Hajin Cheon, meets an untimely demise, only to be reborn as the problematic young master Ridan Byeok. Faced with the Byeok clan’s desperate situation, Ridan must prioritize mending his family’s reputation before focusing on refining his martial skills.
Much like Return of the Blossoming Blade, this narrative centers on Ridan’s attempts to restore his clan while simultaneously enhancing his own abilities. While Cheongmyeong revitalizes traditional martial arts methodologies, Ridan’s journey compels him to reinvent himself to amend past wrongs. The tone of this manhwa is markedly more serious, reflecting Ridan’s maturity and reducing the humor present in Return of the Blossoming Blade.
2. Volcanic Age
A Warrior’s Dedication to His Sect
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.26
- Published: 2017 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Martial Arts, Reincarnation
- Author: Jun Jeong
- Illustrator: Tomassi
Volcanic Age employs a regression narrative akin to that of Return of the Blossoming Blade. The story follows Joo Seo-Chan, who joins the Hwasan faction and rises to leadership during a tumultuous period. Regretting an unfulfilling life on his deathbed, he awakens in his youth, armed with foresight to prevent catastrophic events for his sect.
Both protagonists, Cheongmyeong and Seo-Chan, dedicate their lives to elevating their communities, drawing from their past experiences to uplift those around them. While Cheongmyeong breathes life into forgotten traditions, Seo-Chan aims to avert impending crises, with both utilizing the plum blossom as a significant motif in their martial arts and philosophies.
3. The Academy’s Genius Swordsman
The Regression of a Ruthless Warrior
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.36
- Published: 2023 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Time Travel
- Author: Gwando Seo
- Illustrator : Sichi
This manhwa tells the tale of Ronan, who is sent back in time after the world succumbs to destruction by outer gods. As the only survivor with the capacity to combat these looming threats, Ronan’s training begins anew as he strives to avert future calamities.
Despite its distinct narrative, The Academy’s Genius Swordsman shares a deep connection with Return of the Blossoming Blade through its protagonists. Both are dynamic fighters deeply invested in their loved ones and cultivate martial proficiency in their comrades, echoing Cheongmyeong’s dedication.
4. The Grand Mudang Saga
Being Reincarnated Can Be Difficult
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.46
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Reincarnation
- Author: Eunyeol
- Illustrator: Hwaram
Drawing parallels with Return of the Blossoming Blade, The Grand Mudang Saga centers on reincarnation. Here, the ambitious leader of the Dark Realm reincarnates in the body of Jinmu from the Mudang clan, his long-standing adversaries. To achieve mastery with the Mudang’s untainted martial arts, he must surmount his past transgressions while navigating the conflicting abilities of his former life.
Readers admire Cheongmyeong for his unpredictable nature, a sentiment reflected in Jinmu’s character. Despite expectations for him to embody honor and righteousness, his morally ambiguous essence creates captivating dynamics and surprising twists.
5. Best Teacher Baek
The Story of Another Great Teacher
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.57
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Reincarnation
- Author: Ganjjajang
- Illustrator : Oribori
In Best Teacher Baek, we meet Suryong Baek, a reincarnated martial arts master seeking a new life in a humble village. To bolster his income, he applies to the prestigious Blue Dragon Academy, where he cultivates friendships and mentors students while confronting threats from the sinister Blood Cult from his past.
Both Cheongmyeong and Suryong embody a teaching ethos, striving to perpetuate the teachings of previous masters. Their stories echo elements of relentless training interspersed with adventure, resulting in remarkable character development. The narrative offers a light-hearted atmosphere, making it an enjoyable read.
6. Absolute Regression
A Cultivation Story on the Serious Side
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.59
- Published: 2024 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Time Travel
- Author: Yeonghun Jang
- Illustrator: Jin-Hwan Park
The aspiration to restore the glory of the Mt. Hua Sect serves as a driving force in Cheongmyeong’s narrative, mirroring Mugeuk Geom’s quest in Absolute Regression. Mugeuk seeks to reverse his father’s demise and protect his clan from within, wielding his second chance to rectify past errors and strengthen his resolve.
Despite their contrasting personas—Mugeuk’s seriousness opposed to Cheongmyeong’s playful demeanor—both characters share an unwavering commitment to personal growth and familial loyalty. The manhwa emphasizes the protagonist’s evolution in martial prowess through gripping fights and transformative training sessions.
7. Masters of Lightning Knives
A Protagonist Who Shares Cheongmyeong’s Ideals
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.55
- Published: 2019 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Martial Arts
- Author: Ryuon Geom, Ozoo
- Illustrator: Awin
One of the most cherished elements of Return of the Blossoming Blade is its captivating ensemble of supporting characters. The same can be said for Master of Lightning Knives, centered around Ryu-Yeon, an orphan grappling with the loss of his father. After being offered a chance to learn powerful martial arts from a mysterious old man, Ryu-Yeon embarks on a transformative journey.
While initially focused on two central characters, the narrative rapidly expands to include numerous supporting figures, including disciples trained by Ryu-Yeon. A notable arc highlights his experiences as an accidental teacher, paralleling Cheongmyeong’s knack for unconventional methods as a means of survival.
8. Return of the Mad Demon
An Incredible OP Main Character
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.86
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Martial Arts, Time Travel
- Author : Jinsung Yu
- Illustrator : Ihy
The compelling protagonist is an attribute that resonates in Return of the Blossoming Blade, with Cheongmyeong commanding admiration through his innate talent and imposing confidence. In Return of the Mad Demon, Lee Jaha occupies a similar space. Following a betrayal by the Demonic Cult, he faces death only to find himself revived in the past. With youthful vigor, he resolves to rewrite his history and achieve unfulfilled ambitions.
As a morally complex figure, Lee Jaha is unafraid to face adversaries ruthlessly, reminiscent of Cheongmyeong’s own memorable victories over formidable foes.
9. We are dying Login
A Funny Murim Story With a Twist
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.94
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Video Game
- Author: Zero-BIG
- Illustrator: Cheolbyeok Jang
In contrast to Return of the Blossoming Blade, Murim Login distances itself from themes of reincarnation or specific martial arts factions. Instead, it follows Jin Taekyung, a hunter navigating a life of monster-slaying. After an unexpected slumber in a VR gaming capsule, he awakens as the idler young lord of a martial arts family within a gaming world, where he must complete quests to escape this bizarre reality.
Despite its unique storyline, Murim Login retains connections to Eastern martial arts and echoes Cheongmyeong’s persona. Taekyung is characterized by loyalty, kindness, and a nuanced moral compass, leading to a comedic tone reminiscent of Cheongmyeong’s escapades.
10. The Legend of the Northern Blade
Another Example of Great Martial Arts Action
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.51
- Published: 2019 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Martial Arts
- Author: Woogak
- Illustrator: Min Hae
Legend of the Northern Blade takes a more somber approach compared to Return of the Blossoming Blade. Following the betrayal of the Northern Heavenly Sect by the Martial Arts Alliance, the survival of the leader’s son, Jin Muwon, leads to a gripping narrative as he embarks on a quest for retribution after unjustly suffering in isolation from martial arts.
While darker in tone, the shared elements of fierce confrontations echo the atmospheric tension found in Return of the Blossoming Blade, balancing brutality with heartfelt, everyday moments.
11. The Greatest Estate Developer
This Isekai Has Many Comedic Similarities
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.73
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Isekai, Reincarnation
- Author: Back-kyung Moon
- Illustrator : Hyunsoo Kim
While The Greatest Estate Developer diverges dramatically in plot and setting from Return of the Blossoming Blade, being an isekai tale rooted in complex civil engineering, it retains a distinctive sense of humor and writing style reminiscent of its predecessor. The protagonist, Lloyd, navigates challenges to enhance his territory’s value, creating comedic interactions similar to those between Cheongmyeong and his peers.
Through well-crafted humor and engaging character dynamics, The Greatest Estate Developer captivates audiences, paralleling the delightful comedic tone presented in Return of the Blossoming Blade.
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