The Secretly Rich Man

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 1501

Xylon—the middle-aged man standing upfront—instantly grew curious when he saw how young Gerald actually was.

After all, despite the fact that his son kept addressing him by ‘master’ this entire time, Xylon simply couldn’t imagine that young man as anything other than completely ordinary. Could his son have somehow been mistaken…?

While Xylon found himself thinking that, he still shook hands with Gerald rather friendlily in order to express his gratitude.

However, after having a few more exchanges with Gerald, Xylon—being an elder—couldn’t help but start feeling slightly contemptuous toward him.

Regardless, after inviting him in for a meal—and finishing it—Xylon brought Gerald and the others for a walk around the manor to show their new master around.

During the meal, Xylon had mentioned a large and strong stone called the Zekterite, and it was evident that he was keen on showing it off.

Upon arriving before the stone, Xylon chuckled before declaring, “This is the Zekterite I was talking about, Brother Gerald! As I’ve said, it’s the hardest stone between heaven and earth! With that in mind, I make sure to bring it along no matter where I move to!”

Hearing that, Yule—who had been standing beside them—grew increasingly anxious. After all, his father and even a few of the family elders were already starting to call him ‘brother’ instead of master, and Yule knew how greatly disrespectful they were being!

Though Yule continually gave his father non-verbal hints to treat Gerald with more respect, Xylon simply pretended not to see any of his son’s warnings.

Instead, he simply began elaborating on the stone’s history, even though Gerald hadn’t asked for it.

According to rumors, the large stone was first found lying at the very top of Tierson Mountain. By the time it was found, it appeared that the stone had undergone the essence of life for a very long time, though it still remains unknown whether it got to that point due to the special aura within it.

Regardless, the stone was well-known for attracting lightning bolts. Despite being a natural lightning rod, not a scratch ever appeared on the giant stone, regardless of how hard the lightning hit. Due to that, the stone was aptly named the Zekterite.

With his explanation now complete, Xylon smugly looked at Gerald before saying, “Well, what do you think, Brother Gerald? This giant stone of mine is truly invaluable, wouldn’t you say?”

Upon hearing that, the other old men who had followed exchanged smiles as well, thinking, ‘You’re just an immature and inexperienced young man… As if you’d know anything about this great treasure…’

Gerald himself simply returned a wry smile as he nodded before saying, “It does feel invaluable!”

“I knew you’d agree! Still, why do I have a feeling that you don’t actually believe that…? Either way, I remember my son stating that you had extremely remarkable abilities! Why don’t you show some to us to widen our horizons?” replied Xylon casually.

“Indeed, Brother Gerald! Why don’t you try splitting the legendary and unbreakable Zekterite for a start?” joked another old man with a sarcastic smile.

Naturally, Gerald easily saw through the sarcasm, though he couldn’t really blame them. After all, he had promised to take Yule and his family under his wing—after saving him and his younger sister—in exchange for his family revering him for the many generations to come. With that in mind, it wasn’t hard to imagine why Xylon and the rest of the family’s elders couldn’t reconcile with that fact.

In fact, Gerald was already aware of their displeasure from when they were eating dinner earlier. Though they exchanged simple topics of conversation, not one of them was about him taking them under his wing, and it was quite obvious that it was a deliberate decision.

Shaking the thought off, Gerald then casually replied, “…The Zekterite truly is one of the hardest things between heaven and earth… From what I can see, not only does lighting do nothing to it, but cannons wouldn’t be able to smash it either! After all, the stone’s been absorbing the essence of life for such a long time that it now possesses a holy spirit. With that said, the Zekterite is only this strong because it’s turned into a holy stone!”

Though Xylon had no idea what Gerald had just said, he simply chuckled before replying slightly sarcastically, “Then is anything that bears a holy spirit a holy item? If that’s the case, wouldn’t there be many other things that are equally as difficult to destroy?”

“You don’t seem to be getting my point. How do I put this…? See, while normal items may be difficult to destroy, you can still inflict damage on them with enough inner strength or with the power of ordinary metals. The same can’t be said for the stone since it’s a holy item that’s been imbued with a holy spirit between heaven and earth!” said Gerald.

“Oh? Is that so? Still, doesn’t that mean that you’re just ridiculing us old men for not being strong enough, Brother Gerald?” replied another old man with a bitter smile on his face.

As the same old man made fun of Gerald before the others, it was evident that they were giving Gerald a warning that went along the lines of, ‘You’d best choose your words carefully, young man! Stop being so impetuous!’

“Oh, that wasn’t what I was going for. You clearly misunderstood me!” said Gerald.

Hearing that, Xylon and the others’ expressions softened slightly.

Just as they were wondering how Gerald would complete his explanation, Gerald added, “What I meant to say was that you don’t even deserve to inflict damage upon the stone! Disregarding your strength, there are simply none of you here who are at the stage where you can even begin dealing damage to it!”

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 1502

Upon hearing Gerald’s casual reply, all the eyes of the Quantocks present instantly widened in great wrath.

“You…!” growled Xylon whose expression had turned extremely ugly.

“…Since you’ve said that, does that mean you’re able to split the stone, Brother Gerald? If you are, then please widen our horizons…!” added another old man as he and the others gritted their teeth.

“Of course, I can. What’s so strange about splitting it anyway?” asked Gerald as he looked at them before shaking his head with a bitter smile.

“Fun fact, the Zekterite is immune to lightning since it holds similar properties to it. For further clarification, there exist spiritual items that are produced naturally between heaven and earth. With that said, the item will gain immense resistance against the element it is attuned to. Even so, magic arts can be used to split the Zekterite since they’re much more powerful than regular lightning!” explained Gerald.

“You ignorant youth! How dare you boast so shamelessly about nonsense like magic arts!” retorted one of the elders who simply couldn’t take how arrogant Gerald was anymore.

Xylon himself didn’t bother stopping the old man. After all, what the elder had just said was exactly what he wanted to express as well.

“Nonsense, you say? Well, allow me to demonstrate that ‘nonsense!’” replied Gerald with a subtle smile as he pinched his fingers together as though he was holding a sword’s blade…

After murmuring a barely audible magic chant, light began glowing from where his fingers were pinched… before what seemed to be an electric orb formed between his fingers!

Staring wide-eyed at the cackling cerulean orb that seemed to be bursting with electrical energy, everyone found themselves taking a step back as Gerald flicked the orb of lightning upward!

The second he did that, wild winds and lighting suddenly appeared out of nowhere as thunderous roars echoed throughout the area as well! With how strong the blades of wind were, everyone there felt as though they were in danger of being sliced if they weren’t careful.

“…W-what…?” stuttered those who could still speak in nervous voices as they continued staring at Gerald in utter terror and disbelief.

Before they could even recover from their shock, an explosive sound suddenly burst from the sky, causing everyone’s hair to stand on end as a massive bolt of blue lightning struck the Zekterite!

While the scene was nothing short of dazzling, it also embedded a massive fear among all who witnessed it.

Seconds after yet another explosive sound was heard, several jaws instantly dropped when the Quantocks realized that the stone had been smashed to pieces from that single strike!

As the debris settled and the wild winds died down, the nights soon returned to its initial peace and silence… It was almost as though nothing had ever happened…

Naturally, the biggest change was how dumbfounded all the Quantocks were. For what seemed to be an eternity, none of them dared to even speak or breathe… until finally, Xylon knelt before Gerald.

His action prompted the rest of the Quantocks to do the same as Xylon cried out, “You… You truly are an incredibly powerful person, Master Crawford…!”

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 1503

While the Quantocks were kneeling before Gerald, a young man—who was participating in the festival—could be seen standing before a middle-aged one within the Laidler manor’s study.

“So tell me, Stetson, how’s your current relationship with the Waddys family’s young lady?” asked the middle-aged man.

“Everything’s under control, dad! With how infatuated Xyrielle is with me, I doubt there’ll be any problems with me gaining her affection!” replied Stetson with a subtle smile.

“Hahaha! That’s great to hear, Stetson! While the Waddys themselves don’t own much strength, the force backing them up is nothing short of terrifying. Regardless, I believe that you’ll be able to handle everything well. If all goes according to plan, we’ll definitely be able to use your relationship with the Waddys to eventually allow the Leidlers to have their day! Also, you had best not slack on your training either. The underground festival will be held in two days, and our family has to be crowned the victor this year no matter what!” instructed Mr. Laidler.

Hearing that, Stetson instantly replied, “Loud and clear! Still…”

“…Hmm? What is it?” asked Mr. Leidler.

“The festival… It’s held once every few years whenever a priceless treasure is located, right? I’m curious to know if they managed to find another one for this festival…” replied Stetson.

“Well, I’ve been investigating it myself, and I’ve found that the treasure is greatly important to exceptional people who are training to attain spiritual enlightenment. In relation to that, many such people have been drawn to this event, though they make sure not to reveal too much about themselves. With that said, it’d do you good to do the same!” advised Mr. Laidler in a concerned tone.

“Understood, though I’m sure many of them have already diverted their attention from me after witnessing my deliberate loss to Yagrorok back in Heartstone Manor!” replied Stetson as he shook his head with a wry smile on his face.

“That’s good to hear. You can rest a bit easier while you make the following preparations then. If things go well, and we obtain the Waddys family’s resources, we’ll definitely be able to expand our own family!” declared Mr. Laidler with a loud laugh.

A short while later—after Stetson left—the corners of Mr. Laidler’s eyes couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of something in the corner of the study…

If one looked a bit closer, they would surely be able to see a humanoid figure flickering in and out of existence there…

Moving on to the brightly lit Waddy’s mansion, Yaakov could be seen knocking on the door to his daughter’s room while asking in a gentle tone, “Xyrielle…? Are you still awake…?”

After a short while, the door to the room opened and Xyrielle—who clearly looked like she had just finished washing her hair—replied, “Dad…? It’s already so late! What can I do for you…?”

“Let’s just say that there are some things I need to talk to you about…” said Yaakov as he rested his arms against his back before walking over to take a seat inside her room.

“What’s this about…?” asked the curious Xyrielle in return.

“Well, it’s regarding how strict I’ve been toward you over the years… Especially when it comes to love-related affairs… I’ve been prohibiting you from chasing after love all this time… Do you hate me for that?” asked Yaakov with a smile.

“Of course, I don’t! After all, I know that you’re only being this strict for my own good!” replied Xyrielle as she shook her head.

“I’m glad that you understand my motive… Regardless, I’m pleased that you’ve developed feelings for Stetson… After all, I think pretty highly of him as well. Since your relationship with him has been going quite smoothly, I wanted to ask if you’d like to take it a step further with him…” said Yaakov.

I’m not

tell that his daughter was being troubled

find it in himself to further persuade

Man Novel (Invisible

daughter’s insight and perception. With that said, he was certain that she

Well, that’s fine for now. Regardless, while I promise to always be by your side no matter what, I hope that you understand that you’ll eventually end up getting married

was particularly against the idea, Yaakov left her room with

her father leave, she felt her heart palpitate as

that… As a sense of loss filled her while

the underground festival was launched

seen gathered at the venue. Of course, there were even

festival would gain a rank similar to the most powerful person in the world of martial arts. Aside from that, they

many families who had participated in the underground festival found themselves rising up the ranks extremely quickly! In fact, it wasn’t a stretch to claim that many of the world’s most powerful and major families today had

secrets of the attending underground forces. Such families either ended up being cheated or forced to

the ordinary people only attended the festival to enjoy the hustle and bustle, the insiders

fights were, nobody ever dared to record a thing, which was why no relevant information had yet to be leaked. After all, should information accidentally leak out, the

festival was still being held within Heartstone Manor, it was now separated into two main areas,

area aboveground was similar to the size of a kindergarten when

entertain themselves, the latter was an area where people dueled against each other in

arrived with the Quantock family’s executives, alongside Julian and a few other people from

been chatting with her friends while walking toward the main door—suddenly

who the owner of the feminine voice was… and was instantly shocked

here!” replied Gerald with a slightly helpless smile as he looked at

last met! Why are you treating me as though I’m a stranger? Regardless, weren’t you unable to obtain an admission ticket? How did you manage to enter this place then? Either way, now that

in her group, they were naturally also friends of Xyrielle’s. Xyrielle herself wasn’t present, though it was completely understandable. After all, she was one of the function’s main characters, so there was no way

was curious about all the people accompanying Gerald here today… Still, she wasn’t too afraid since she ended up

arm, making it extremely evident that she wanted to lead him someplace

looked like he wanted to say something before whispering,

longer controlled or managed Jenny City, they were still a family that owned

the rest to stand down for now. After all, while she was slightly capricious, she hadn’t really done anything wrong to

mind, Gerald revealed a bitter smile of resignation as he said, “All of you head on in… I’ll see what she needs help with first before

Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter

Xaverie as

found himself slightly surprised when he realized that she had simply wanted him to help her

how to mimic human speech, it hadn’t said a word upon arriving there

Xaverie deduced that the bird must have simply been too terrified to

be further pestered by Xaverie, Gerald simply shook his head at the comment before agreeing to

to thank me this time, Gerald! For context, carrying this parrot

you mean by that?” asked Gerald with

but the Quantocks and the Waddys have held grudges against each other for quite a while now… What I’m trying to say is that the Waddys will definitely notice that you’re with the

wanted to tell me? Hahaha! I guess I really do owe you my thanks for warning me!” said

him?” teased one

I’d fall for him!”

honestly had a pretty good impression on Gerald. After all, he was a

from being acquainted with the Waddys. With that said, once they were in the underground seating area, they quickly found the perfect place to take their seats. Even

her. However, after realizing that Xaverie had called him

he was going to be able to get a closer look at the formal showdowns between exceptional people—who were training to attain spiritual enlightenment—for the

now that he was seated, Gerald began looking around the gigantic annular

a high platform where the battles would take place. From what he had been told, there were over thirty families participating in the battles,

treat the Waddys with utmost respect, undercurrents naturally existed among them. After all, all the present families definitely understood how important this festival was, which

families who held true strength among the others

While that was the case, none of the puppet masters appeared to be anywhere as strong as Stetson,

by one, they were mercilessly defeated by Stetson almost immediately upon entering

by right, he was only a First-rank Master… Even so, wasn’t he defeating too many of the other similarly ranked masters a bit too easily? How had he managed to increase his strength so rapidly within

have managed to surpass

continue staring in astonishment as yet another old man fell off the high platform, swiftly

old man himself quickly got to his feet and bowed respectfully before Stetson while saying, “I’m now utterly convinced

the old man quickly left after saying that, Yaakov could hardly calm himself anymore. He was simply too

to rule finally going to the Laidlers

Rich Man Novel (Invisible or

looked at Stetson.

fortune-teller had predicted, Stetson truly had immense martial arts skills and no ordinary person could ever come close to being

wonder why Xyrielle fell for him! Though I do wonder if you’ll get jealous of hearing me say such things! After all, I’m

Gerald simply

entire time, observing each battle closely, wondering if anyone stronger than Stetson

was an extremely grand festival. It was impossible that only First, Second, and Third rank

has to be someone more powerful than that

was the only thing keeping him

was anxiously scratching the back of his head while looking from side to side as he muttered, “How immensely frustrating! Where could the master have gone? The festival is going to end

closed—standing atop the platform only served to

how to put

‘That condescending b*stard…!’

these were the shared thoughts of many, nobody actually dared to teach him a lesson. Not that they were

nervous Yule was, Yaakov—who had been sitting close to the Quantocks—turned to look at the members of that family before mocking, “Oh? Isn’t the Quantock family sending anyone

don’t see anyone from the Waddys family capable of dealing with Stetson either! Regardless, mark my words that we’ll soon be

in seeing how you Quantocks are going to settle those grudges of yours!

representative of the Waddys family defeated, I do wonder

roar of ear-shattering laughter could suddenly be heard echoing

the venue began cracking or shattering from the immense noise, many people were also starting to scream and even faint.! Covering

wailing in pain, Gerald simply sealed their blood vessels in order for their hearing

the longer he listened to the laughter, the more familiar it felt… Was it really

being a bit too generous, Yaakov? Giving someone else the power to rule… Just cut the act! I’m bloody sure that

as he retorted,

a tight slap to his cheek! He didn’t even see it coming, and he ended up toppling to the

no idea

the venue witnessed

atop the high

Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter

in bewilderment

but widen his eyes as he scanned the old man from head to

to his feet and stared at the old man before

stood up when

nervously turned to look at his son before shouting,

Stetson rather anxiously, worried about his

Since he’s shown himself, I’m taking down this fearful villain today!” replied Stetson as a subtle smile began forming on his face. He couldn’t

that you’d be an idiot, but I never thought that you’d be this remarkably brainless! It wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that you’re the stupidest

With that in mind, he wanted to redeem all that loss by going all out during

this while, thinking that he belonged to one of the larger attending families. Naturally, he hadn’t been able to even catch a

I, Stetson Laidler, will skin you alive, old man!” retorted Stetson, the corners of

a force blowing upward began forming around Stetson, causing his long

looked, Xyrielle was still worried and she quickly shouted, “Be

where she even found herself wondering if it was wise to fall for him. Even so, who was she to

step forward… and launching himself toward

Lightning Fist!” roared Carlos as

response, however, was to form a smug smile on his face before

ended, he extended his large hand,

sound was heard as both

wasn’t holding back anymore and had fully revealed the fact that he had the strength of a Second-rank master, his expression had now changed drastically. Soon enough, Carlos’s attack completely overwhelmed him, momentarily distorting Stetson’s face as he faced the full

he instantly began writhing in pain within the

god…!” shouted several people at the scene

Finnegan had his eyes wide open in worry and

things would end the same way as how Stetson had dealt with Yagrorok. After all, the confidence he had earlier expressed was similar to his confidence the other day. With that in mind, the end results

a single blow, however, Xyrielle found herself covering her mouth in shock, finally

Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter

you even dared to go up against me

hand… and began lifting Stetson into

Stetson screamed in terror in his suspended state, Xyrielle—who was under the platform—quickly shouted, “D-dad! Hurry and think of a way to

daughter’s pleas, even

turning to look at who was shouting for Stetson’s sake. The second he laid eyes on Xyrielle, he paused for a moment before declaring, “It appears that