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!

dealing with ghosts

about ten minutes later when they finally got out of the passageway… and they were instantly greeted by the

individual characters that stated, ‘The

tablet, the duo was able to see another path that seemed to lead to the centermost area in the most feminine place… That was also supposedly the area where various ghosts and spirits

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

spirits’ peace, it

Rey after

Gerald then began leading the way into the depths

would surely send shivers down the

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

threatening ghostly aura around him… If that happened, he would essentially end up becoming a full ghost himself,

bridge, the duo soon came across a city of

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man

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

city looked ancient… The duo was also able to see several ghostly peddlers—that varied in

to look like this, the duo decided to make

city’s gates, their entry was promptly blocked by a pale-faced

with his blue eyes, the

that… Who exactly are you…?” asked

the phantom officer of this place!” introduced Phanto, much to the surprise of Gerald

It was almost like they

only passing through this place, and we aren’t

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

on whoever dared to obstruct his way. As if he would

permit to allow you to enter! If you don’t have any,

How do

then pointed at a 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,

as he began walking toward the tower with

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

locked. Even so, they

in mind, Gerald was just about to knock on the door

react, a cold and gloomy-sounding voice could be heard coming from inside, shouting,

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

happening, Mr. Crawford…?” asked

a time!” yelled the same voice from

was simply a rule to this place, the disheartened Rey could only sit on one of

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich

came across a white-haired

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

think that this person

are…?”

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

you’ve said, I’m half human and ghost. However, do note that I’m also a cultivator!” replied Gerald, not feeling the need to

body… Still, the spiritblade you own is simply astonishing. If this continues on, something will definitely happen to you!”

course, Gerald knew for a fact that Torme was talking about the Astrabys Sword

Gerald then declared, “…Whatever the case

trying to head to the territory

Gerald with a

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

I came here in

then. Are you prepared?” asked

ever!” declared Gerald

second Gerald’s sentence ended, however, Torme seemingly vanished as Gerald’s surroundings instantly

regular person would’ve certainly felt that the darkness was overbearing, Gerald was no

calmly on the spot, it wasn’t long after before a stone door appeared before

first stage of

doorknob… and upon opening the door, he was greeted

individuals looked like they came from different time periods only served to confuse Gerald even

Based on what you’re currently seeing, would you choose to let all the villains die?

that, Gerald began pondering

was simply a front. After all, how could a test on human nature

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 the

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich

while longer, Gerald declared, “…I choose

answer! Care to

end, fate is the 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 them suiting ends when the time is right!” explained

be heard as Torme said, “Not bad! You’re different from the others! Congratulations,

the spot, though he was now smiling as he praised, “As you’ve said, nobody can truly decide the life and death of themselves or others. I’m

the first test so easily,

ready

“I am!”

vanished once more

time, however, there was a screen

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

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

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

about life…? What even is life…?’

brief pause, Gerald was prompted to ask, “…Have you experienced life as a human before,

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

an excruciating life

tightly as multiple scenes began playing in his mind… The scenes themselves were his own experiences from

a child, he had it pretty rough, he was now living quite a

different, to me, life is essentially just a cycle that one goes through from the day they are born till they die…

or

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

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 resolve

that in order to have 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

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

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 only way that

couldn’t

could ever experience. With that in mind, I hope you’re mentally prepared for the fact that in the end, some of those

a beat. From the looks

the future. In the end, he

alter his future the second Torme told him about it. Every action he

simply nodded at

test begin!” replied Torme as

this time, he was even

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

was none

Juno got close enough, she smiled

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

don’t we stay here forever, Gerald…? Just you and me in the most

all places? Why would you even suggest

Could it be that you’re hesitant about staying here with me…?” replied Juno as her cheery expression instantly

Torme had shown him had merely been illusions. With that in mind, he now knew that

refuse! After all, everything here

Secretly or invisible