[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-mercenary-s-war":3,"chapter-mercenary-s-war-mercenary-s-war-chapter-1171":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Mercenary’s War",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1613961,2077,"Chapter 1171 - 1171 One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Four A Good Teacher and Helpful Friend","mercenary-s-war-chapter-1171",1171,"\u003Cp>1171: Chapter One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Four: A Good Teacher and Helpful Friend 1171: Chapter One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Four: A Good Teacher and Helpful Friend Gao Yang never considered himself a good person, but neither was he thoroughly despicable scum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being a mercenary, he still maintained a conscience in his dealings with others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At most, he could perhaps be considered a bad person with a line he wouldn’t cross.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, following a long conversation with Morgan, Gao Yang felt that he was sprinting down the path of an ambitious and scheming manipulator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t surprising, given his constant interactions with the likes of Grand Ivan, Morgan, Uriyangko, Justin, and Polovich—people whose company largely consisted of various and sundry mercenaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be strange if he had turned out virtuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially having been around heavy hitters like Grand Ivan and Morgan, arms dealers who discussed overthrowing a country or secretly instigating a war as if it were nothing, Gao Yang found himself disturbingly unperturbed by it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, mercenaries are creatures of war by nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that Gao Yang had managed to hold on to his own principles after so long in that circle was quite commendable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To become an unseen king who could influence the global situation was something Gao Yang dared not even contemplate—it was just too unrealistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to be an underworld figure who could swing the fate of a small country and decide the direction of wars for one or more of such countries was something he found intriguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang wasn’t a good drinker; just after less than two glasses of whiskey, he already felt tipsy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he swirled his glass, pondering how he could truly become a figure straddling both legal and illegal circles—ensuring both he and the entire Satan became masters of their own destiny—Morgan spoke leisurely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gao, you’ve already gained considerable influence within the mercenary circle, but that’s not enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once you’ve set up a big company and command your own formidable armed force, you’ll truly have become a boss—a major player in the dark world,” Morgan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang smiled and responded, “I will strive to become the kind of major player you speak of.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan shook his head, his voice deep, “No, that’s not what I mean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What I’m asking is, are you ready with your disguise?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Have you started preparing your exit strategy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang shook his head, “Not yet, isn’t it too early to talk about that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sigh, Morgan explained, “No, it’s not too early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You need to start preparing for your future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listen, Gao, you understand that much of my business cannot be exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet I can live comfortably in America.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the public eye, I have a legitimate identity, a legitimate job, and I’m also a philanthropist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, my business is tied to many powerful families, so I can live peacefully in America.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t worry about police suddenly busting in to take me away—no one dares to do that, even those in control of America are well aware of what I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a smile, Morgan continued, “Grand Ivan and I are different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tread the line between light and darkness, whereas Grand Ivan purely walks the world of darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, his way of self-preservation is the possession of tremendous power—such that even when nations are aware of his existence, they dare not easily provoke him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if they fail to obliterate Grand Ivan at once, they must prepare for his ferocious retaliation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang wanted to mention that Grand Ivan had been dealt with by America, but he stopped himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because what Morgan said was true—after Grand Ivan’s fall, America showed no signs of further interference with Grand Ivan’s channels, and that in itself was telling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a serious tone, Morgan articulated, “The world is far from as peaceful as it appears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary people live in the illusion of stability because everyone follows a mutual understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are many big players in the underworld, but the world is still in the hands of the official government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This underworld don’t frequently antagonize the official government because the power disparity is still too great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, the official government sometimes strikes down significant figures from the underworld, representing inherent justice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must combat those who disrupt the natural order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The law of the jungle is universal at all times.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waving his hand, Morgan insisted firmly to Gao Yang, “Right now, you are still a small fry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You don’t attract too much attention, which makes you relatively safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But should you ever become a big figure, that changes everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You will draw a lot of attention and mere concealment won’t suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao, as you rise, you cannot expect to fool everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You must employ methods to protect yourself—to make it so that even if the entire world knows you’re a bastard, they still cannot touch you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then will it work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang bitterly laughed, “Isn’t that too difficult?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be so formidable that no official government dares to mess with you—sounds like a joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I had a powerful army, how formidable can I be to remain untouchable by any official government?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a complete fallacy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan’s voice was grave, “It’s difficult, but not impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If put simply, it’s actually quite straightforward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you have a formidable armed force, then you’re a boss, but being just a boss isn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You also need connections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, let’s say you have complex and solid networks backing you in America, like myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would do everything in my power to ensure you don’t become a target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just me alone isn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You need to cultivate a wide and robust network of influential connections to vouch for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang frowned and said, “For instance…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan chuckled, “Like campaign contributions, Gao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>America is very practical, very much so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re friends with the military-industrial complex, they’ll speak for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re good at gunmanship, so get on good terms with the Rifle Association.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They have significant influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, you need to pave your political paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You could provide campaign contributions to some very promising senators, congressmen, or even offer substantial financial support to future presidents of America during their campaigns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang gaped, exhaling, “That’s possible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course it is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listen, pal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officials are very realistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re willing to fork out a big sum of money to help with their campaign, they have to speak for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this respect, America’s officials have quite the professional ethics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mercenaries need professional ethics, so do officials — none are nobler than the others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang let out a long breath, “I see, I get it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So specifically, what should I do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan smiled, “I’ll introduce some people to you, my base, but just my faction alone isn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You need to find your own main circle of influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having more than two political networks vouching for you, you don’t need to worry about any trouble in America.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can go around the world causing trouble, just don’t bring it onto America’s doorstep, and no one will bother you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mutual use, mutual help, a happy cooperation for all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang snapped his fingers, “Understood, how to do it, shall I start preparing now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan nodded, “Yes, start preparing now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it’s just preparation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be frank, you’re not yet on the radar of those big shots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when you have enough strength will you be eligible to work with them as equals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, if you offer up a large sum of money now, you might just get swallowed whole.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang scratched his head as Morgan, with a smile, said: “You’re lucky to know me and also Grand Ivan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pal, while you’re still weak, I’ll help you so you have time to grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you’ve grown sufficiently strong, then you’ll need to forge your own paths.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang said with emotion, “Morgan, I truly don’t know how to thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan waved his hand, “Thank me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao, we’re friends, but my help isn’t purely out of friendship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To put it bluntly, we can use each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know, what I currently lack is strong military force, this prevents me from smoothly handling many issues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing, Morgan looked seriously at Gao Yang, “You needn’t thank me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your growth will benefit me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For me, this means my protective forces will be stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I trust you, I know you’ll help me with anything, so I’m also willing to help you with anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buddy, as for who will be more powerful in the future, that remains to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve witnessed too many cases of newcomers surpassing the old guard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan, seemingly enthusiastic, waved his hand and continued seriously, “Gao, you should know, I’m backed by a certain prominent family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is both a good and a bad thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It means I can’t escape the family’s control, so there’s a glass ceiling above me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it’s different for you, you don’t have any restraints above your head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m helping you now, but in the future?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s really uncertain who will rely on whom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan appeared to have more to say, but Gao Yang remained silent, just quietly looking at Morgan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Morgan waved his hand again and smiled, “There’s another very important reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can still manage now, but what about in five years?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or ten years?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I can’t handle things anymore, what about Bob?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His temperament isn’t suited for big ventures, and I’ve made too many enemies from my deeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao, I have to think about Bob’s future, and you are his friend, a very good friend at that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang exhaled, saying, “Morgan, I can say this much: no matter what I become in the future, as long as Bob needs my help, whatever it is, I’ll use all my power to assist him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t want to say this, but thinking about it, it seems better to say it out loud.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan smiled, “You don’t really need to say it, because I know you’ll do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I wasn’t confident about your character, I wouldn’t be helping you like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao, you always say you’re lucky to have met me, but in fact, Bob and I are the lucky ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You are a common friend of our father and son; having you here makes me worry less about Bob’s future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing, Morgan took a deep breath, “Think over what I’ve said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your thinking is still stuck in the mercenary era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You don’t understand politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll teach you the specifics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After coming to America this time, I’ll take you to meet a few people, consider it as practice for the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(To be continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes, monthly tickets, and support me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your support is my greatest motivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)\u003C\u002Fp>",1824,"2026-06-06T10:20:24.801Z",1,"novelbin.me","16e9de873d9d56dd05e13a886174d646fac7710b09063498cfbe1a8d68762fe7","mercenary-s-war-chapter-1172","mercenary-s-war-chapter-1170",2343,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmercenary-s-war-cover.jpg"]