Word of Honor (novel)
Word of Honor is a danmei (Chinese:耽美) novel written by Priest. It was originally published online on Jinjiang Literature City in 2010. The novel is a wuxia story centered around the intricate relationship between Zhou Zishu, a former leader of a secret government agency seeking freedom and redemption, and Wen Kexing, a mysterious and charismatic figure with a hidden past.
The story follows Zhou Zishu as he leaves his powerful position and uses a self-inflicted technique to obtain a limited period of freedom, albeit at the cost of his health. During his travels, he encounters Wen Kexing, who displays an unusual fascination with him. Together, they become embroiled in a conspiracy surrounding a legendary treasure and must confront powerful enemies and their own inner demons.
Word of Honor is known for its complex plot, well-developed characters, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, morality, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. It features elements of wuxia (martial arts), xianxia (fantasy), and romance.
The novel gained significant popularity and was adapted into a highly successful Chinese television series titled Word of Honor (山河令, Shan He Ling). The drama adaptation further broadened the novel's audience and cemented its place as a significant work in the danmei genre.