Word of Honor

Zhou Zishu, played by Zhang Zhehan, is a former leader of an assassin organization who walks away from his post, tired of violence and secrecy. He enters the wider martial arts world seeking something quieter, but that calm doesn't last. He meets Wen Kexing, played by Gong Jun, an enigmatic and magnetic figure who becomes a close ally, and their bond pulls them into a sprawling conspiracy tied to old grudges and political scheming. The show balances action and mystery with character-driven moments, handing off exposition in pieces so viewers can piece together motives without spoiling the bigger revelations.

Released in 2021, Word of Honor was created from material by Priest, with Xiao Chu and Lin Qiao credited among the creators. The series adapts Priest's source material and stars Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun in the central roles, marking a high-profile small-screen outing for both leads.

Critical and audience responses were mixed to positive, reflected by an 8.2/10 average from 51 votes. Viewers often praised the chemistry between the leads and the series' visual style, while some critics pointed to uneven pacing and occasional plotting gaps. Major themes include loyalty, identity, the costs of past actions, and how personal codes of honor clash with political realities.

The show developed a sizable online following, inspiring fan art, cosplay, and spirited discussions across social platforms. Its portrayal of the central relationship drew particular attention and helped the series reach an international audience through subtitled streams and fan translations, creating a lively community around its characters and aesthetics.

It didn't collect major international awards; most of the series' recognition came from fan-driven polls, social buzz, and platform-level popularity rather than prizes from large, established award bodies.