In the novel, Duan Yu is often bullied by others because of his good character. He ate poison by mistake during an escort mission, which made him weak and sick. After some rescue and treatment, he finally recovered.

The word "Knife God" is usually used to refer to Duan Yu, the hero of China's martial arts novel Tian Ba Long Bu. Duan Yu, the son of Wang Duan in Dali, is often bullied because of his kindness and innocence.