The Secretly Rich Man

Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1841

“I appreciate the reminder, Mr. Bates, but we still have an important mission to accomplish. Since the sooner we locate the territory of the Phangrottom Clan the better, we’ll only be staying the night! We’ll leave at dawn!” replied Gerald in a gratuitous tone as he looked at Mr. Bates.

Upon hearing that, Mr. Bates said nothing. Even so, if one paid close attention to his reaction, they would be able to see his face twitching slightly in response…

It was late into the night before Gerald and his party finally decided to sleep. To ensure that they wouldn’t get sneak attacked in the night, Gerald suggested that the four of them take turns keeping watch.

After agreeing, Gerald was elected first to stay on guard whereas the others headed to bed.

Thankfully, even after his shift ended and he swapped places with Rey, nothing much really happened throughout the night.

The party of four awoke early the next morning and instantly began packing up. Gerald himself walked over to the door to check on how things were looking outside…

To his surprise, he was immediately greeted by the sight of Mr. Bates standing right in front of their door!

Definitely not expecting to meet Mr. Bates in such a way, the wide-eyed Gerald then stared at the calm-looking man for a while before asking, “…Is… there something I can help you with, Mr. Bates…?”

“Tell me, are you really sure that you want to look for the territory of the Phangrottom Clan? Is there no way to deter you?” asked Mr. Bates in a serious tone.

Upon hearing that, Gerald quickly shook his shock off before nodding and determinedly replying, “Indeed, Mr. Bates. We absolutely must go!”

“…Very well, then. Since you’re so adamant, I’ll lead you there. However, I must remind you that in the end, everything depends on your fate!” declared Mr. Bates, surprising Gerald once more.

Gerald, for one, hadn’t expected Mr. Bate’s attitude to change that quickly. After all, the man had been trying his hardest to deter them from looking for the territory of the Phangrottom Clan for most of the night. To think that he was now willing to lead them there!

Still, just as Gerald had thought, Mr. Bates knew where the territory of the Phangrottom Clan was. With that in mind, Gerald was prompted to wonder whether the death of the previous party—that had attempted to locate the place—had anything to do with Mr. Bates…

Regardless, Gerald’s train of thought was cut short when he heard Mr. Bates say, “Let’s not waste any more time. Hurry and pack up!”

Watching as Mr. Bates then turned around to leave, Gerald himself quickly ordered the rest of his party to hasten their packing.

Shortly after, everyone was ready to leave, and they began following Mr. Bates into the depths of the mountains…

Not a word was uttered throughout the entire journey, so eventually, Gerald took the initiative to break the silence by saying, “So… Why the change of heart, Mr. Bates?”

“Let’s just say you’re different from that previous party!” replied Mr. Bates in a calm tone.

“…Different in what way, Mr. Bates…?” asked Gerald in a curious tone.

“Hah! The earlier party who came looking for the clan were only interested in robbing the tomb! With how blinded by greed they were, it was pretty much impossible for them to locate the Phangrottom Clan in the first place! Them dying only makes sense!” replied Mr. Bates in a calm tone, almost as though he was unfazed by their deaths…

Growing even more curious now, Gerald then asked, “…How… exactly did they die, Mr. Bates…?”

“Hmm? I killed them of course,” replied Mr. Bates.

The second he heard that, Gerald’s expression instantly darkened. To think that Mr. Bates would confess to something like this so casually!

Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1842

“Don’t worry, I won’t harm you. After all, I trust you way more than that previous group!” added Mr. Bates when he saw the drastic change in Gerald’s expression.

Though Mr. Bates said that, Gerald was rightfully still slightly worried. After all, who knew whether the man was telling the truth? Despite his worries, Gerald understood that he still required Mr. Bates’s guidance for now.

With that in mind, he could only choose to act accordingly. The second Gerald found something amiss with Mr. Bates, he would surely deal with the man without mercy…

Following that awkward conversation, the group walked for about another hour before finally arriving at what appeared to be a gigantic Stonehenge lookalike…

Naturally bewildered by the sight of it, Gerald was prompted to ask, “And… this is?”

“This is where the portal that leads to the most feminine place can be opened. After passing through that area, you’ll soon be able to find the territory of the Phangrottom Clan. Mind you, however, that getting past the most feminine place isn’t as simple as you’re probably imagining. A weak mind will easily be overtaken by the many ghosts there, and once that happens, you’ll end up being trapped in there forever!” explained Mr. Bates in an earnest tone.

Upon hearing that, Gerald then took out the map that Old Flint had given him… And after looking at it for a while, there was no doubt about it. As it turned out, they really were at the right place. Mr. Bates hadn’t been fooling them at all.

With that in mind, Gerald then turned to look at Mr. Bates before asking, “…Then… When will the portal open?”

“It’ll open in three days. That’s the middle of the month, if you’re curious as to why. Regardless, take note that the portal will only remain open for three days. If you fail to return before then, you’ll be trapped there for life, even when the portal reopens in the future!” replied Mr. Bates in a kind tone.

“…Is there no other way we can enter that place…?” asked Gerald as he looked at Mr. Bates, not wanting to have to wait for three days. After all, he was sure that there were definitely other ways to enter the most feminine place.

Understanding Gerald’s motive, Mr. Bates then said, “Patience is a virtue, young man! However… Since it was the heavens that fated our meeting, I suppose I could open the portal in advance. However, note that if I do so, only three of you are allowed to enter. One of you has to stay behind! Also, you can’t enter alone either. There needs to be at least two of you, that’s just how it is.”

Despite that being the case, Gerald looked utterly delighted.

Watching as Gerald turned to face them, Juno was prompted to say, “Why don’t you and Rey go, Gerald? I’ll stay out here with Yrsa!”

Hearing that, Gerald thought for a moment before asking, “Say… Since you said that only two to three people can enter at a time… Could Rey and I enter first before Juno and Yrsa follow behind? That’s technically entering in pairs, no?”

Since Mr. Bates immediately shook his head, Gerald could only sigh. It was worth a shot.

At that moment, Rey cleared his throat before saying, “…On the contrary, I think you should head there with Miss Zorn, Mr. Crawford. I’ll stay out here with Yrsa!”

After all, since Juno and Gerald were both trained cultivators, they would be able to look out for each other more efficiently once they were inside.

To his surprise, Juno quickly replied, “No, it’s too dangerous for you and Yrsa to stay out here without us. With that in mind, just go along with Gerald. That way, I can protect my disciple as we wait for your return.”

“I’ll have to agree with Miss Zorn. The two of us are entering, and that’s that!” added Gerald, who was also worried that Rey and Yrsa would find themselves in deep trouble—if Gerald and Juno entered together—since neither of them could properly defend themselves.

Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1843

“…Alright then!” replied Rey with a nod.

Hearing that, Gerald then said, “It’s decided then, Mr. Bates. Both of us will be entering, so please open the portal for us in advance!”

Upon hearing that, Mr. Bates said nothing. Instead, he walked over to the largest stone pillar in the middle of the ‘Stonehenge’ before pulling out a small knife from his sleeve…

After making a small cut in his hand, he placed his bleeding palm onto what appeared to be the symbol of a ghost eye on the pillar… and seconds later, the pillar began shaking as the other surrounding pillars began glowing in hues of blue!

Shortly after, a blue portal appeared before Gerald and his party…

“That’s the portal. Head in now, and remember. Only three days or you’ll never be able to leave!” reminded Mr. Bates as Gerald and Rey nodded.

“Got it! Don’t worry, Mr. Bates! Also, I’ll have to trouble you to take care of the two of them in the meantime. Thanks for everything!” replied Gerald in a determined voice as looked at the man.

After seeing Mr. Botes nod, Gerald and Rey then entered the portal… and the second they made it across, the portal vanished.

The pillars themselves instantly stopped glowing, making it seem as though nothing had ever happened here…

Regardless, after witnessing such a magical scene, both Juno and Yrsa could only gape in awe…

Meanwhile, Gerald and Rey found themselves walking through some kind of tunnel-like passage…

Leaning close, the already terrified Rey grabbed onto Gerald’s clothes while muttering, “P-please remember to protect me well, Mr. Crawford…!”

“…Didn’t you say that you weren’t afraid of ghosts?” grumbled Gerald.

“Well, yeah… I’m not afraid of ghost movies, but this is reality! Who knows when a ghost could pop up?” replied Rey in his slight cowardice.

Things were definitely way scarier when he wasn’t expecting ghosts to only pop up on screen!

with ghosts yet, so it was normal to

ten minutes later when they finally got out of the passageway…

were four individual characters that stated, ‘The most feminine

the centermost area in the

refrain from screaming or shouting when anything happens! Just endure

the ghosts’ and spirits’ peace, it would surely spell a world of

replied Rey after taking a

slightly in response, Gerald then began leading the way into the depths

here would surely send shivers down the spines of even

throughout their stay here, it now made sense why Mr. Bates had made it compulsory for at least two people

overpowered by the threatening ghostly aura around him… If that happened, he would essentially end up becoming a full ghost himself, causing him to be trapped in this

the duo soon came across a city

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich

as Phantom City, and it was

also able to

this, the duo decided to make haste and

promptly blocked by

the two with his blue eyes, the black-robed man

exactly are you…?”

go by Phanto, and I’m the phantom officer of this place!” introduced Phanto, much to the surprise

place! It was

a slight pause, Gerald smiled faintly before replying, “We’re only passing through this place, and we aren’t here to cause trouble, sir. With that

knew that he had to refrain from acting

scene had happened in the real world, Gerald would’ve already made a move on whoever dared to obstruct his way. As if he would have the time

enter! If you don’t have any, don’t even dream about

do we obtain one?” asked

tall tower emitting dark blue lights—that honestly wasn’t all that far away—before explaining, “You can get it by passing a test there. Once you’ve got that done,

you for sharing!” replied Gerald as he began walking

really wasn’t going to be as easy as they had anticipated. Since Gerald couldn’t think of any other way to enter and he would very much prefer to resolve this issue without using force, the only way forward was to pass that test… At the very least he wouldn’t

tightly locked. Even so, they knew that there were individuals inside since the interior constantly

Gerald was just about to knock on the door when suddenly, it swung

gloomy-sounding voice could be heard

Rey

happening, Mr. Crawford…?” asked the

at a time!” yelled the

Rey could only sit on one of

The Secretly or invisible

a white-haired

ghost!” said the robed

that this person would be able to tell

are…?” asked

Torme, and I’m the phantom emissary in the most feminine place. In simpler terms, I’m responsible for interacting with outsiders.

and just as you’ve said, I’m half

holy spirit within your body… Still, the spiritblade you own is simply

a fact that Torme was talking about the Astrabys Sword that he had

ignore the topic, Gerald then declared, “…Whatever the case is, I’m here to obtain a passing permit,

the territory of the Phangrottom Clan, correct?” asked Torme

Gerald with a

know that you’ll have to pass a test before you’re able to get the

do. It’s the reason I came here in the first place!” replied Gerald

then. Are you prepared?” asked

ever!” declared Gerald without the

Torme seemingly vanished as

a regular person would’ve certainly felt that the darkness was overbearing,

long after before a stone door

lead to the first stage of

then turned the doorknob… and upon opening the door, he

the individuals looked like they came from different

die?

hearing that, Gerald

that it was simply a front. After all, how

way, Gerald knew that all three choices weren’t all that bad. The problem was, which was the correct answer? He really didn’t want to fail

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a while longer, Gerald declared, “…I choose to

An unexpected answer! Care to explain

no right to choose the eventual destinies of these people! While it’s true that I’d love to have all the despicable villains die, I believe that they’ll eventually reap what they’ve sown! After all, fate will surely grant them suiting ends when the time

applause could instantly be heard as Torme said, “Not

been. Torme himself hadn’t budged from the spot, though he was now smiling as he praised, “As you’ve said, nobody can truly decide the life

so easily, he quickly snapped out of

said! Regardless, are you ready for your second test?” asked

“I am!”

watched as Torme vanished once

end, Gerald was enveloped in darkness again… This time, however, there was a screen with

of a person from the moment he was born till the day

Now tell

that, Gerald turned to look at the screen, wondering if he was now being tested on his understanding of

life…? What

a brief pause, Gerald was prompted to ask,

again!” replied Torme in a slightly remorseful tone

Torme must have lived an excruciating life

scenes began playing in his mind… The scenes themselves were

quite a good life. Wasn’t life just a series of

“…While everyone’s lives are different, to me, life is essentially just a cycle that one goes through from the day they are born till they die… The cycle itself is essential so that one gains enough experience to better themselves before

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all those are just small parts of life. In the end, what really matters are the choices one makes as they slowly proceed through the cycle of life… While I’m not sure what experiences you’ve undergone before,

Gerald hadn’t really grasped what the test was about in the beginning, after thinking about all this, he was now sure that he was being tested on

on screen were simply Torme’s experiences when he was still alive. With that in mind, Gerald was sure that the test was also done to help Torme

a good life, one had to experience it to the fullest. In doing so, individuals would be able to go through the most of their grief, joy, partings, and reunions

again, causing

resentment… Thanks to you, I’m no longer burdened by

Gerald couldn’t help

your life is much more different compared to others. After all, at this rate, you’re going through way more gains and losses than any average joe could ever experience. With that in mind, I hope you’re mentally prepared for the fact that in the end, some of those

skipped a beat. From the looks of it, Torme could see Gerald’s

After all, there was no use knowing about the future. In the end, he was

wasn’t as though he was going to be able to alter his future the second Torme told him about it. Every action he made

Gerald simply nodded at Torme in response

then, let the final test begin!” replied Torme as he waved his hand, causing the scene to

he was ready this time, he was even more astonished when he suddenly saw

eyes to get a clearer look at the figure, it

was none other than

got close enough, she smiled faintly before

voice, Gerald couldn’t help

Gerald…? Just you and me in the most

places? Why would you even suggest such a

hesitant about staying here with me…?” replied Juno as her

merely been illusions. With that in mind, he now

all, everything

or