For the Phoenix Clan to reclaim its status as ruler of all birds, it would have to ask Di Jun first.
And Di Jun was already a Sage.
"By the way, Zhunti, hasn't Buddhism been going through an economic crisis these past two years?"
"How do you still have the nerve to recruit retainers here?"
Among the Sages drinking tea, the Primordial Heavenly Venerable suddenly seemed to remember something and spoke with a hint of mockery.
"What crisis? There's no such thing!"
Saint Zhunti was still playing dumb. Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi said nothing, merely jutting his chin toward Xu Tong.
Xu Tong, who ordinarily oversaw finances, military supplies, and even people's livelihoods throughout the entire Zixiao Palace system, set down his teacup with a smile.
"Ah, some people are still slapping their faces swollen to pass themselves off as fat cats, aren't they? I read Buddhism's total production report for this year, you know."
Xu Tong slid his fingers through the air, making a show of using spiritual power to construct several scrolling screens of light.
Then he recited the figures he had long since committed to memory.
"Hmm, let me take a look..."
"Buddhism's overall financial report for this thousand-year quarter."
"Production: 7.4021 trillion in Buddhist incense offerings and merit. Taxes paid: a little over 704.2 billion. Financial expenditure for the thousand-year quarter: 6.4025 trillion."
"Of that, over 764 billion went toward wages for the guardian deities of the Asura Tribe and the Asura Race."
"4.67 trillion went toward wages for Buddhism's basic personnel. The six Great Tathagatas in the first tier accounted for 6%; the Lesser Tathagatas, Mothers of Buddhas, and Great King Buddhas in the second tier accounted for 2%; the Great Bodhisattvas, Great Wisdom Kings, and Buddhas in the third tier accounted for 17%."
"The fourth