A modern man accidentally transmigrates into the world of a novel with the same title, Buddhism Flourishes, Daoism Declines, and becomes a destitute young Daoist with no one to rely on.
This is a world in the Age of Dharma Decline. An ancient war among the gods destroyed most of the earth’s ley lines. Only the last dragon vein remains, suppressed by the Great Wall, which also seals away Chiyou, the ancient Saint of Slaughter.
On the surface, Buddhism flourishes while Daoism declines. The people worship Buddha, while Daoists endure scorn and ostracism. Buddhist practice centers on chanting scriptures and forcibly severing the seven emotions and six desires. Its techniques are incomplete, and its highest ranks include only three quasi-saints: Dipankara, the Tathagata, and Maitreya. None can attain sainthood.
Daoism, by contrast, has a complete lineage and focuses on the cultivation of a tranquil mind, internal alchemy, and thunder arts. Cultivating both body and spirit can lead directly to sainthood. Daoists lie low in seclusion, protected by twelve quasi-saint Daoist masters, while the Three Pure Ones, the three saints, stand watch over them. The orthodox Celestial Master of the age, Zhang Enfu, the sixty-third generation Celestial Master, holds fast to Mount Longhu and secretly keeps the Daoist flame alive.
Deep within the protagonist lies the undying soul essence of Chiyou, preserved through the ages. As the dragon vein loosens and the seal grows weaker, Chiyou’s murderous fury continually eats away at the protagonist’s Daoist heart, becoming a demon within him that he can never escape.
The protagonist devotes himself to orthodox Daoist teachings and holds fast to a tranquil, nonassertive heart. In an age when Buddhism flourishes and Daoism declines, he struggles to uphold the Dao, battles Chiyou’s killing intent within himself, and evades the Buddhist sect’s pursuit and encirclement.
When the seal finally breaks and Chiyou fully awakens, he becomes the novel’s ultimate BOSS, wielding the Blood Glazed Godslayer Blade and Soul-Splitting Axe. He seeks to reshape the order of the world through the Great Way of Slaughter. In the end, the Three Pure Ones, the twelve quasi-saints of Daoism, and the Three Buddhas of the Three Ages join forces to face Chiyou. The protagonist, too, is caught in the ultimate struggle between his own Daoist heart and the demon god’s murderous intent
