There really was no other way. The enormous war reparations meant little to Lin Tian, but for the impoverished Buddhist Sect, they were an impossible task.
What if they refused to pay? Could they even refuse?
Payment was now due once a year, with a different faction receiving it each year.
The first year went to the Demon Race, the second to Zhen Yuanzi, the third to the Queen Mother of the West, the fourth to Minghe, the sixth to the Chan Sect, and the seventh to the Human Teaching.
If they refused to pay, they would instantly anger all seven factions and face another punitive campaign.
There was no getting out of these war reparations, though they could just barely scrape together enough to pay.
But Buddhism's gross income was a hundred million a year. How much remained after paying every Buddha's official stipend?
If they stopped paying the Buddhas, Buddhism would probably lose all its members and dissolve before long.
Left with no choice, Tathagata could only seek new sources of income.
Tathagata immediately said, "This humble monk will enter seclusion in chaos for several years. Ancient Buddha, please oversee Buddhism's affairs for the time being. Venerable Guanyin, you will take charge of the Journey to the West. Nothing must go wrong!"
"Yes, Buddha!"
After those instructions, the meeting to plan Buddhism's future strategy adjourned for the time being.
Meanwhile, a meeting was also underway in Spirit Vine City's assembly hall. The Four Great Demon Saints and Lin Tian were in attendance.
Lin Tian also wanted to discuss the Demon Race's future development strategy with the Four Great Demon Saints.
Stroking his beard, Bai Ze said, "Well done, lad. For the Buddhist Sect to turn things around now would be harder than climbing to heaven. What do you