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!

used to dealing with ghosts yet, so it was normal to be frightened.

when they finally got out of

four individual characters that stated, ‘The

to lead to the centermost area in the most feminine place…

starts here, Rey. Prepare your mind and please refrain from screaming or shouting when anything happens! Just endure it!” warned Gerald as

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

Rey after taking a

then began leading the way into

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

it now made sense why Mr.

Gerald chosen to enter alone, 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 in this place

duo soon came

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible

as Phantom City, and it was a city that was made specifically for ghosts and

Rey could see that everything in the city looked ancient… The duo was also able to see several ghostly peddlers—that varied in appearance—scattered all over what appeared to be

the spirit world was going to look like this, the duo decided

was promptly blocked by a pale-faced

blue eyes, the black-robed man declared, “Neither

Who exactly are

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

It was almost like they

“We’re only passing through this place, and we aren’t here to cause

territory, Gerald knew that he had to refrain from acting rashly. At the very least,

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

allow you to enter! If you don’t have any, don’t even dream about entering!” replied Phanto

passing permit? How do we obtain one?”

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

entering the most feminine places 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

Even so, they knew that there were

about to knock on the door when suddenly,

and gloomy-sounding voice could be heard

was first to enter. However, just as Rey was about to follow, the gates suddenly slammed

Crawford…?” asked

a time!” yelled the

rule to this place, the disheartened Rey could only sit on one of the tower’s many steps as he waited for Gerald

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man

soon came across a white-haired person donning

you’re half human and half ghost!” said

that this person would be able

you are…?” asked

responsible for interacting with outsiders. It’s the reason why I was

half human and ghost. However, do note that I’m also a cultivator!” replied Gerald, not

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

declared, “…Whatever the case is, I’m here to obtain a

trying to head to the territory of the Phangrottom

Gerald with a

you know that you’ll have to pass a test before you’re able to get the permit?” said Torme as he continued staring

here in the first place!” replied Gerald in

Are

as ever!” declared Gerald without the slightest

however, Torme seemingly vanished as Gerald’s surroundings

certainly felt that the darkness was overbearing, Gerald was no

spot, it wasn’t long after before a stone door

the first stage of your

Gerald then turned the doorknob… and upon opening

fact that the individuals looked like they came from different time periods only served to

on what you’re currently seeing, would you choose to let all 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 allowing fate to decide… Which will it be?” asked Torme’s

that, Gerald began pondering about

Gerald knew that it was simply a front. After all, how could a test on human nature ever be

all that bad. The problem was, which was the

or

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

Care to

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

said, “Not

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

he had passed the first test so easily, he quickly snapped out of

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

“I am!”

Gerald watched as Torme vanished once more and

in darkness again… This time, however, there was a screen with quickly alternating

projecting the experiences of a person from the moment he was born

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

to look at the screen, wondering if he was now being

What even is life…?’ Gerald thought to

prompted to ask, “…Have you experienced life as a human

to experience such a life again!” replied Torme in a slightly

Gerald could assume, Torme must have lived an excruciating life for him not to

mind… The scenes themselves were his own experiences from when he

was now living quite a good life. Wasn’t life just a series of joys and sorrows as

essentially just a cycle that one goes through from the day they are born till they die… The cycle itself is essential

or invisible Rich

and family… 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, 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

after thinking about all this, he was now sure that

scenes playing 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

had to experience it to the fullest. In doing so, individuals would be able to go through the most of their grief, joy,

his answer, Torme reappeared before Gerald again, causing the room to revert to

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 only way that humans are able to

that, Gerald couldn’t help

at this rate, you’re going through way more gains and losses than any average joe could ever experience. With that in mind, I

heart skipped a beat. From the looks of it,

all, there was no use knowing 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

alter his future the second Torme

the case was, Gerald simply nodded at Torme in response before saying, “Understood,

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

Torme didn’t even ask him if he was ready this time, he was even more astonished when

get a clearer look at the figure, it wasn’t long before the

none

close enough, she smiled faintly before calling out,

voice, Gerald couldn’t help but ask, “…Juno… You… Why

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

Stay… here? Of all places? Why would you even

with me…?”

replied, he suddenly remembered that up till this point, everything that Torme had shown him had merely been illusions. With that in mind, he now knew that this ‘Juno’ was nothing more than just

After all, everything here

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible