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!

from. After all, Rey wasn’t used to dealing with ghosts

case was, it was about ten minutes later when they finally got out of the passageway… and they were instantly greeted by the sight of

on it were four individual characters that stated, ‘The most feminine

that seemed to lead to the centermost area in the most feminine place… That was also supposedly the area where

please refrain from screaming or

ghosts’ and spirits’ peace, it would surely

ready, Mr. Crawford!” replied Rey after

in response, Gerald then began leading the way into the depths of the most

and dark the entire place was, just being here would surely send shivers down the spines of even the bravest of

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

he would surely be 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

after walking past a bridge, the duo soon came across

Secretly or invisible Rich Man

City, and it was a city that was

duo was also able to see several ghostly peddlers—that varied in appearance—scattered all over what appeared to be

that most of the spirit world was going to look like this, the duo decided to make haste and began walking toward the city’s

the city’s gates, their entry was promptly blocked

eyes, the black-robed man declared,

exactly are you…?”

the phantom officer of this place!” introduced Phanto,

the first place! It was almost

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 in mind,

had to refrain from acting rashly. At the

Gerald would’ve already made a move on whoever dared to obstruct his way. As if he would

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

permit? How do we

away—before explaining, “You can get it by passing a test there. Once you’ve got that done, you’ll

for sharing!” replied Gerald as he began walking toward the tower

enter and he would very much prefer to resolve this issue without using force, the only way forward was

the tall tower’s gates had been tightly locked. Even so, they knew that there were individuals inside since

in mind, Gerald was just about to knock

cold and gloomy-sounding voice could

enter. However, just as Rey was about

Crawford…?”

yelled the same

could only sit on one of the tower’s many steps

The Secretly or

across a white-haired person donning a long, grey

you’re half human and half ghost!” said the robed person as he stared at Gerald from

this momentarily startled Gerald. To think that this person would be able to

are…?” asked

place. In simpler terms, I’m responsible for interacting with outsiders. It’s the reason why I was so easily able to discern

you’ve said, I’m half human and ghost. However, do note

there’s such a massive cocktail of spiritblade and holy spirit within your body… Still, the spiritblade you own is simply astonishing. If this continues on, something will definitely

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

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

the territory of the Phangrottom Clan, correct?” asked Torme as he stared at the

replied Gerald with

that you’ll have to pass a test before you’re able to get the permit?” said Torme

in the first place!” replied Gerald in a determined

Are you prepared?” asked

ever!” declared Gerald without

sentence ended, however, Torme seemingly

regular person would’ve certainly felt that the darkness was

long after before a

stage of your test,” said Torme from within

opening the

people killing each other! The fact that the individuals looked like they came from different time periods only served

the villains die? Or perhaps you’d prefer to allow all the good people here to have a chance to get reincarnated. There’s also the option of simply

Gerald

have seemed easy, Gerald knew that it was simply a front. After all, how could a test on human nature

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

Crawford: The Secretly or

longer, Gerald declared, “…I choose to

Care to explain

final decider. If it truly is a person’s time to meet their end, then there’s simply no stopping it. With that in mind, I have 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

instantly be heard as Torme said, “Not

he was now smiling as he praised, “As you’ve said, nobody

to know that he had passed the first test so easily, he quickly snapped out of it

ready

“I am!”

Gerald watched as Torme vanished once more and his surroundings

This time, however, there was a screen with quickly alternating scenes

what Gerald could see, the screen was projecting the experiences of a

watching is a person’s entire life… Fleeting, isn’t it? Now tell me, what do you think about life?” asked Torme’s

if he was

What even is

to ask, “…Have you experienced life as

Torme in a slightly remorseful tone that

have lived an excruciating life for him not to have another shot at

Gerald then closed his eyes tightly as multiple scenes began playing in his mind… The

child, he had it pretty rough, he was now living quite a good life. Wasn’t life just a series of joys and sorrows as well as partings

Gerald reopened his eyes before saying, “…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

or invisible

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, I do know that life isn’t constantly filled with grief and pain. Enjoyable parts of life definitely exist, and once individuals realize that, they’ll surely live better lives instead of constantly complaining about life’s injustices…”

what the test was about in the beginning, after thinking about all this,

still alive. With that in mind, Gerald was sure that the test was also done to help Torme resolve his inner

to the fullest. In doing so, individuals would be able to go through the most of their

Gerald stated his answer, Torme reappeared before Gerald again, causing the room

said, “For hundreds of years, I’ve been waiting for a person to help me resolve all my resentment… Thanks to you, I’m no longer burdened by all this! As you’ve said, going through cycles is the

Gerald couldn’t help but feel

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 people will leave you for good…”

that, Gerald’s heart skipped a beat. From the looks

about the future. In the end, he was the one in control of his own fate, and he refused to deliberately change it just to alter the future that Torme

the second Torme told him

case was, Gerald simply nodded at Torme in

replied Torme as he waved his

this time, he

to get a clearer look at the figure,

none other than

Juno got close enough, she smiled faintly before

help but ask, “…Juno… You… Why

here forever, Gerald…? Just you and me in the most feminine place…

would you even suggest such a thing…?”

with me…?” replied Juno as her

Torme had shown him had merely been illusions. With that in mind, he now knew that this ‘Juno’ was nothing more than

refuse! After all, everything here is just an

Secretly or invisible Rich