if you like stories about getting stronger, you may like Sky Pride, by Warby Picus.
it is by my favorite author of progression fantasy, and the source material is taken with a very unusual level of care. their last story was sort of "cultivation as a magic system, but gnostic," and early on they had a note (now gone, it seems) about how they didn't feel they had the grounding to write a proper xianxia, that it would be disrespectful. in this story, it really shows that they've studied since then, which really highlights how other authors haven't.
the characters are distinct and likable. the world is not necessarily a good one, but many of the people in it are. xianxia tropes are quietly subverted in this way - our MC has friends and mentors who are genuinely looking out for him and helping him grow, which he is grateful for. usually these stories have the characters getting stronger, but not wiser, but this one really takes the "coming into alignment with the dao" thing seriously, so there's a lot less of that. the whole thing is still played straight, but in a thoughtful and considered way that is engaging and entertaining. the worldbuilding never takes center stage, but unfolds as the characters do, in service of the story. it's also still about a guy who starts with nothing and ends up fighting a lot, while getting stronger. but he also is learning about tea, and medicine, and how people and societies work (having grown up completely outside of them).
it seems to be the general consensus that this is a shining example of the genre, while transcending the limitations that have historically been a part of it. I don't think anyone else could have written it.
one of my favorite parts of weekdays is getting to read the new chapter. I think it is worth giving this one a go. the quality is consistent throughout, so you won't have to read much to see if you like it (though some of the stuff I mentioned only comes later on).