He was imprisoned in Nibelungen for a thousand years, only to find out upon his release that he was

"Huh?" Ereshkigal frowned slightly. What was so interesting about this...? Was it really necessary to praise Ishtar in front of me?

"You don't understand! ... First of all, Ishtar used this method to guide newcomers to join the team, solve their various problems, eliminate unfamiliarity and reduce anxiety, which is beneficial to our team's external image."

"Moreover, the mutual aid society that Ishtar has built also means that all the new destabilizing factors have been concentrated in the same group!"

"In case... something really happens while we're acting, we can immediately narrow down the suspects to a very small area!"

Ishtar undoubtedly considered many factors; she not only became hardworking and capable, but also developed an awareness of risk management!

"By the way," Lu Ming added, "Has she had any important activities lately?"

"It seems like it'll be a few days from now. There's some kind of speech, and the location is being kept secret. They said they'll choose a remote, secluded spot and announce it on the day..."

If Lu Ming hadn't asked, Ai Lei wouldn't have bothered with such a small activity.

"Good, good, good!"

The more secluded the location, the better, so that if a fight breaks out, it won't attract the attention or cause misunderstandings among other people.

She actually thought of things like this in advance?

“Ishtar, I misunderstood you before.”

"Now it seems you are indeed incredibly loyal!"

Lu Ming clapped his hands in delight.

Volume 1: Chapter 139 That's not me! Account thieves have ruined my Odin's reputation!

"all in all......"

"That's settled then!"

"If it really happens, a spy sent by Odin..."

"It's the perfect time to carry out the arrest. And after it's done—"

"I'm going to give Ishtar a big reward!"

Lu Ming spoke with a cheerful tone, his eyebrows relaxed and his spirits high.

Because of the long-term mental stress he had been under, he finally had a chance to relax.

Upon closer examination, if Lu Ming were to actually catch a spy from the Odin Group, it would definitely be a cause for celebration.

Why? What does this mean?

This means that the information he highlighted in "The True History of the Dragon Clan," especially the inside story of the Odin Group, will be supported by reliable evidence and proof!

At that time, their evil deeds and dark plans will be further exposed!

More importantly, if we can identify this spy, we might be able to trace him back to his superiors and then open up that chain of connections.

It can even uncover the inner workings of Odin's activities in the secular world, including his collaborations with powerful families and secret organizations, his control over them, and his influence, as well as the personnel structure and operational methods of these organizations.

It's important to understand that fear often stems from the unknown.

I am in the open while the enemy is in the dark – this is what has always made Lu Ming uncomfortable.

Even if he leaves Nibelungen, so what? The outside world is still Odin's domain, and he will still face threats from the Odin Group at any time.

But now, all we need is to catch a dog from the Odin Group...

That will give you the key to uncovering the truth about their organization!

Even if we only catch a minor, one-way contact, we still have plenty of time and energy to trace it back to the source. It's better than nothing!

"A reward? ...What will you reward her with?"

Hearing that Ishtar would receive a reward from Lu Ming, and hearing that Lu Ming sounded quite serious, Ereshkigal's eyes almost betrayed her resentment.

She has worked so hard for so long, she deserves credit for her hard work even if she hasn't achieved anything great!

After all this time, we haven't heard Lu Ming personally promise any reward.

What kind of treatment did Ishtar receive before? What kind of treatment did she receive now? How come this kind of upsetting thing still happened, and it just so happens to her arch-enemy!

Tiamat, which was initially thought to be the most likely to overtake her, has now become a rival, its competitiveness plummeting and it exiting the market. She had hoped to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Family members, does anyone understand? The new rival is the one she looks down on the most and has the worst reputation!

How could Irene tolerate such an unfair situation?

"Yes, what would be a good reward for Ishtar? By the way, since Ishtar is so meticulous, going to such lengths to prevent Odin's lackeys..."

"Then let's just reward her... and make her the overall person in charge of the 'Operation against Odin' from now on."

"You could say she has even more real power than she does now! That's probably what she likes."

After all, Lu Ming had seen Ishtar's diligent work performance since she came in.

First and foremost, as decision-makers, it is crucial not to overlook anyone's progress and to reward those who deserve it. We must also recognize and support everyone's ambition and provide the opportunities they are entitled to.

And here comes the boss's appreciation right away? Knowing you're a woman who wants a promotion, Lu Ming is just giving you more responsibilities.

"Huh?...Oh."

So it was meant to be pushed up there to help draw Odin's fire.

That's fine.

The resentment emanating from Ai Lei vanished instantly.

"Master's decision was truly visionary! No one can surpass it!"

Francesca immediately offered a compliment. However, her expression clearly suggested she was suppressing a laugh.

"Not at all, it was just going with the flow according to Ishtar's personal will."

"It's not that exaggerated."

Lu Ming shook his head modestly.

He's actually not used to being praised too much.

He has been able to get to where he is today by standing on the shoulders of giants.

He started as an ordinary person, relying on the wisdom of his predecessors that has shaken the ages, and with his own little bit of thinking and flexibility, he made some progress and did some small work, which is very shameful.

Even now, he is still learning.

Do not be complacent, lest you reveal your true intentions before the operation even begins.

Speaking of this, the most crucial point is whether Tiamat is reliable or not.

'Tiamat, we'll be dealing with your larger body another day. Are you really okay? According to the plan,'

'Alright, alright, don't worry, Mom's here! Lu Ming, fly high, Mom will always be with you!'

The infant Tiamat was full of confidence, trying her best to act like a mature and reliable adult with her childish voice.

With my help, let's see if we don't spin ourselves like a top!

At this moment... if the infant Tiamat hadn't been sitting on Lu Ming's shoulders, her words and appearance might have been more convincing.

'I feel like this isn't quite enough of a guarantee...'

Lu Ming frowned. He had a feeling that, given Odin's evil thoughts and cunning, he wouldn't give up until he caused a big commotion in the city behind the city while he and Tiamat were putting on an act.

What if the rear forces are insufficient and the situation is not handled in time, leading to an even greater disaster?

The monster calamities and countless poisonous contaminations that previously swept across the city are still fresh in our minds; we couldn't withstand another one.

Why doesn't he quickly deal with Tiamat and then rush back at the speed of light?

I have a feeling that even with cheat codes, this isn't a battle that can be resolved quickly. Odin's hidden hand won't stop waiting for me.

'Or perhaps we could go and speak with Quetzalcoatl, and discuss it? While I'm distracted dealing with the threats within the city, could we ask her to buy us a little time?'

Lu Ming finally remembered the application submitted by Hippolyta on the table.

He wasn't sure about Quetzalcoatl's character. From their previous interactions, Quetzalcoatl seemed quite enthusiastic about gladiatorial combat.

Such an opponent should generally disdain bullying the weak; perhaps the imprisonment of a group of people is for some other reason?

Perhaps Quetzalcoatl would be more interested in attacking Tiamat, who is of the same rank?

...But this seems to be a blatant violation of the alliance agreement between them.

We'll have to ask tentatively to find out what kind of person Quetzalcoatl is.

"Aileen, you're continuing to check for potential threats within the city as usual. Is everything alright? And this matter concerns Quetzalcoatl, so I'll personally follow up on it."

Lu Ming said.

"Okay. Most urban areas have been confirmed to be safe, and the level of pollution has dropped to a relatively stable level."

Eresh answered fluently, "There's also the issue of the ley line nodes. We've already breached the node in the city center and occupied the temple, but apart from the two in the east and west of the city, which correspond to Tiamat and Quetzalcoatl respectively, the last node seems to be hidden, and its location is unknown."

"Lu Ming, those Odin's spies you mentioned are very likely using this point. We will investigate in that direction."

"Having a clear direction is good..."

Just as the group was about to continue discussing other matters, they suddenly all looked out of the room.

Ayaka Sajou knocked on the door and was immediately astonished to find so many important figures gathered there.

Hello, everyone!

I immediately tensed up.

Ailei recognized this person as the core member of the ritual array, nodded, and said, "It's you? Please feel free to speak if you need anything."

"I want to ask, what should I do if there's always a shadowy spirit around me that I can see but no one else can...?"

"?"

Lu Ming looked up and met the gaze of the smiling Tiamat.

So your symptoms aren't an isolated case!

"?"

The young Tiamat didn't understand, her starry eyes wide open.

Want to play a game with your mom where whoever blinks first loses?

I'll swear on my mother's name that I will never admit defeat!

......

"I've finished reviewing it, there are no flaws..."

"The plan is settled."

"If an unprecedented event does occur, the number of attendees will be far greater than ever before."

"I can then seize the opportunity to win popular support and greatly increase my influence. And after it's all over..."

"I'm going to crush all those who looked down on me! Lu Ming, especially you, you'd better die together with the Mother Goddess outside the city in a few days!"

"Mere immortality is nothing to mention; it pales in comparison to Mother's 'no concept of death'!"

Ishtar spoke with a joyful voice, her face beaming, all the gloom gone.

A moment earlier, she had dismissed the other, respectful-looking staff.

Then, I quietly checked my plan again.

The first step is to build reputation during this period and increase brand awareness by adopting a people-friendly approach.

The second step is to initially establish grassroots organizations, control this group that has a good impression of you through informal organizations such as mutual aid associations, and further exert influence.

The third step is also the most crucial one.

While Lu Ming was still away, she gathered all the people who had believed her and then refuted the loopholes and absurdities in Lu Ming's statements!

Anyway, Lu Ming is very likely not to come back, and even if he does, he might not be able to stop me—

After all, she only used the name of organizing a beginner's guide lecture, so Lu Ming might not even notice it!

Even if she noticed, the location she chose was quite remote, and if she decided to look for another place on a whim, she wouldn't be able to find a spot in a short time.

perfect!

Ishtar examined the 'three-step strategy' repeatedly and still felt it was flawless, so she couldn't help but boast about it.

From her perspective, Lu Ming, following his usual temperament and actions, would inevitably be preoccupied with dealing with the Mother Goddess Tiamat, working tirelessly day and night to cultivate, and wouldn't notice her.