The Secretly Rich Man

Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1851

Upon returning to the real world, Gerald was instantly swept by feelings of relaxation as his mind acquired newfound understanding. As it turned out, returning from that white dimension was the final step for him to gain this understanding.

Looking at the soul bamboo before him, Gerald then lifted his hand… and with a swift strike using the side of his hand, he sliced the soul bamboo clean in half!

Pleased to have snapped his first soul bamboo, Gerald was now a hundred percent sure of what the first soul bamboo meant.

Essentially, one couldn’t just expect to see instant benefits. Things needed to be done in proper order, and only then would success come… After all, while Gerald did lose the first two Go games, after learning the rules a bit better and observing how things went on the board, step-by-step, he was eventually able to win against that old man.

Regardless, upon seeing that the soul bamboo had been snapped, Tomie—who had been watching over Gerald this entire time—couldn’t help but smile as he said, “Congratulations on breaking your first soul bamboo, Gerald!”

Smiling in response, Gerald then headed over to the next soul bamboo before placing his hand on it again. The sooner he got all this done with, the better.

Soon enough, Gerald found himself transported to yet another dimension. Compared to the previous white space, however, Gerald was greeted by the sight of several quickly alternating beautiful scenes…

Shortly after, another old man made his appearance before smiling warmly as he said, “Good day, mister. Tell me… What do you think these scenes symbolize…?”

Surprised by the sudden presence of the old man, Gerald quickly shook his shock off before asking, “…Before that, how should I address you, sir?”

Chuckling in response, the old man replied, “Well, I’m a psychic spirit, so you can call me that if you’d like!”

“I see… It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. Regardless, about your question… I can see that the scenes alternate endlessly among the four seasons. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter…” said Gerald in a respectful tone.

Nodding in response, the psychic spirit then replied, “Well, you’re not wrong there. While the scenes do depict the usual seasons, there’s another message to be found in all this… Why not try calming yourself to see if your heart can sense it?”

Upon hearing that, Gerald nodded before doing as the psychic spirit had told…

After a while, Gerald realized something and he opened his eyes again before saying, “…I think I understand now, sir. Essentially, not only do the scenes depict the four seasons, but they also symbolize the different experiences one undergoes in life.”

“The spring scene displays a sprout which I’m assuming symbolizes the moment one is born. The summer scene, on the other hand, shows how hot it can get.

From what I can gather, it’s a way of saying how hardships and distresses are normal experiences as one grows older.

Moving on to the autumn scene, it depicts the harvest season, which should be when an individual feels the most accomplished they’ve ever felt in their life.

Finally, winter, the period of reminiscing. For me, winter symbolizes the moment when one nears the end of their life cycle…” explained Gerald.

The second his explanation ended, the psychic spirit instantly began clapping as he declared, “Not bad at all, mister! As you’ve said, the four seasons do indeed symbolize a person’s life.

I have to say, you truly are extraordinary to be able to have such a deep understanding of life! You really are different from the others! Regardless, you’ve completed my test so you can leave now!”

And just as before, Gerald’s consciousness was quickly transmitted back to reality…

Upon seeing the second soul bamboo before him again, Gerald immediately repeated the slicing action on it!

Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1852

As expected, this bamboo broke instantly as well, and by conquering it, Gerald now understood the meaning of life.

Essentially, one’s life was like the four seasons since everyone experienced birth, sicknesses, and eventually death. It was simply according to the seasonal cycle. While one would definitely experience other things as well, nobody would truly be able to change their fate in the seasonal cycle of life.

Regardless, Torme himself was now smiling widely after watching Gerald successfully break the second soul bamboo. This youth wasn’t disappointing him in the least!

Whatever the case was, Gerald didn’t even wait for Torme to say anything before moving on to touch the third soul bamboo.

While Gerald was already used to having his consciousness getting transferred, he still found himself slightly stunned when he realized that standing before him, was a doppelganger!

“…And you are?” asked Gerald.

“Heh! I’m just you!” replied the other Gerald as he revealed a subtle smile.

“What? If you’re me, then who am I?” said Gerald.

“You’re me, and I’m you. There’s nothing technical about that! We’re simply the same person! Even so, we’re different from the way we view things!” explained the other Gerald.

“…Different views? Elaborate,” replied Gerald.

Chuckling in response, the other Gerald then said, “To put it in layman terms, I’m your dark side! A fancier name would make me your inner demon!”

As it turned out, the lookalike was a manifestation of his inner demons! This must be the third soul bamboo’s test!

With that in mind, Gerald had a hunch that as long as he managed to defeat the demon, he would be able to fully understand this soul bamboo.

“Whatever the case is, you’re an idiot, Gerald. Why the hell didn’t you just pick Rey in exchange for the key to the large entrance of the Phangrottom Clan territory? Picking yourself… You could’ve died you know?” added the other Gerald in a gloomy tone.

Upon hearing that, Gerald stared at his inner demon for a while before retorting, “As if I’d ever use my friends as bargaining chips! I’ll never sacrifice them!”

“You utter buffoon! That Rey? He’s just a prick and you know it! You could’ve easily gotten rid of him for good! How stupid do you have to be for me to spell it out for you?!” scowled the inner demon as he glared at Gerald.

“Shut it! You’re just my inner demon! In the end, I’m the one who decides on what I think!” growled Gerald who was getting fed up with his inner self.

Upon hearing that, the inner demon instantly roared in laughter as everything around them turned pitch black. The scene was nothing short of terrifying…

“Talk big, will you? Look, I can easily just swallow you up, you know? Once that happens, you’ll be beneath me your entire life!” scoffed the inner demon as he smiled wickedly while staring at the youth.

Before Gerald could even reply, his eyes widened as his other self summoned an incredibly familiar-looking sword…

“…The Astrabyss Sword?!” yelled Gerald, feeling slightly stunned that the demon could also wield the legendary weapon.

“Things could have gone much differently, Gerald! But due to how idiotic you are, you only have yourself to blame! I’m vanquishing you for good so that I’ll be the rightful owner of your body and mind!”

Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 1853

After saying that, his inner demon began charging toward Gerald!

Since the inner demon was an exact replica of Gerald, he shared the same strength and capabilities as Gerald. Naturally, Gerald noticed this, and he immediately began retreating as he dodged the onslaught of attacks!

Unfortunately, since their skills were on par, Gerald’s neck ended up getting slightly cut by the sharp blade.

The Astrabyss Sword’s tip had merely brushed across Gerald’s skin, yet it was already bleeding… Gerald didn’t even want to imagine what would happen if the sword struck him for real…

Whatever the case was, he couldn’t allow this inner demon to get rid of him. After all, if he lost this battle, he would lose control over his body forever!

With that in mind, once he was at a safe distance, Gerald drew out his own Astrabyss Sword.

“Hah! Thinking of launching a counterattack?” sneered the inner demon.

“You won’t have your way! I’m burying you deep in my heart so that you’ll never be able to resurface again!” declared Gerald in a righteous tone.

“Let’s see if you can win against me first!” yelled the inner demon as both he and Gerald bolted toward each other!

Since both of them were equally fast, their blades met even before a split second passed!

With a massive ‘clang’ the impact of the two legendary blades caused both of them to take a few steps backward!

“I hope you haven’t forgotten that I’m your dark side, Gerald! I don’t have anything weighing me down! With that in mind, I’m way stronger than you!” scoffed the inner demon in a smug tone before he immediately began chanting a spell…

Within seconds, Gerald watched as all sorts of knife brandishing ghosts began appearing! The inner demon had summoned them from the Astrabyss Sword to deal with Gerald!

the spirits immediately began rushing toward Gerald, the youth remained calm and

many spirits he slew, more would just appear… That b*stard of an inner demon was

spirits, the inner demon then smugly proposed, “Gerald, listen.

going to agree to that

that Gerald’s loss was already determined, Gerald knew that his other self was merely a temporary manifestation of his worst aspects. With that in mind, there was no way Gerald was going to let that nobody

an idea suddenly came to Gerald. Understanding that it was now or never, Gerald immediately began projecting his immense will and psychokinetic powers around

second he started doing so, his inner demon immediately

aching head as he asked, “You… The hell

a momentary manifestation of my inner demons. With that in mind, you won’t be able to defeat me in a million years! My true power will always be stronger than yours!” scoffed Gerald as he walked over

demon fine final time, Gerald then increased the

just like that, the inner demon vanished, sending Gerald’s consciousness back to

Crawford: The Secretly or

and with a

smiled as he said, “Congratulations for defeating your

about his battle, Gerald was prompted

bamboos. I also know what each soul bamboo here stands for.

be, I’m sure you’re aware that not only would your consciousness get sealed deep within

your place! Thankfully, you managed to defeat him! I must say, you haven’t disappointed me at all!”

tone, “Inner demons are dark manifestations that exist in everyone’s hearts. Sadly, not many are actually capable of truly

getting swallowed by their inner demons, resulting in them becoming their worst nightmares… With that in mind, since you’ve managed to make it past your

the next soul

he was able to touch it, Torme suddenly

raised a slight brow as he asked, “Is… something the matter,

You’ve

waved his hand… and just like

everything, sir?” asked the confused

most outstanding cultivator I’ve ever met! With that in mind, you have every right to head to the Phangrottom Clan’s territory! As promised, I’ll also be handing you the key to the large entrance of that territory! While I’m sure you’re on some extraordinary

managed to pass the test without needing to fully complete it! Torme was even giving him the key to

wooden box before handing it to Gerald as he said, “The box contains the key I promised.

it… and inside, was an iron key with the Phangrottom Rune

finally obtained it,

of advice before you head off. The Phangrottoms are a spiritual clan that rules over all souls… With that in mind, I’m sure you can imagine that they’re not ones who are easy to persuade. What I’m saying is please make sure that you’re mentally ready to face everything, and that includes quite a bit of pain. It’s

that in mind!” replied

sure you will. Now head off! The passing permit is already hanging on your waist!” said Torme as he waved his hand

Torme’s

or invisible Rich Man Chapter

nodded before

Rey was taking a nap with his back leaning against the tower’s

saying, “Hey, I wasn’t in for that

up, the shocked Rey couldn’t help but exclaim, “A-ah! Mr. Crawford! You’re finally out? I’ve been

I’m pretty sure I’ve been in there for half an hour at

the time in the outside world…? After all, as they said, ‘a day in heaven was equivalent to a year in the human world’. With that in mind, who’s to say that the tower didn’t function following

passing permit, so let’s go!” added Gerald, not wanting to bother about something that trivial. After all, the more crucial thing to do now was to enter

gates again, and upon showing the passing permit to the

have to do to obtain the passing permit, Mr. Crawford…?”

say I had to go through some tests of life,” replied Gerald, knowing that his answer was the truth

couldn’t help but feel pleased that after all that, he managed to obtain the key to the large entrance of

case was, Rey naturally didn’t know what Gerald was going on about,

some good news to share! See, I’ve

Rey immediately grew excited

Gerald as he glared at Rey while gesturing for him

making sure to cover a hand over his mouth to ensure no further noise

across a town within Phantom City. While it looked no different from human settlements, the ghosts here had their own lifestyles that were evidently

of the town, it wasn’t long before a few

of you, come with us!” ordered one of the soldiers

or invisible

hearing that command, the

do them any good to cause a scene, both of

to be a palace of sorts within

being led in, the two soon saw an armor-clad ghost sitting

by the name of Yohr God,

city’s town!” reported one of the phantom

his feet before squinting his

Yohr was prompted to say, “…You’re quite

Who are you again…?” asked Gerald in

Yohr then replied, “You… don’t even know who I am? You truly have

magnificent king, Yohr God!” snapped one of the phantom soldiers standing at the

and Rey couldn’t help but feel slightly surprised. To think that there would actually be

Gerald felt that it was best not to immediately offend these people. It was honestly amusing how Gerald was the one trying to be reasonable

then said, “Just so you know, we’re not here to cause any

you headed to?” asked Yohr in

seek the Phangrottom Clan!” declared Gerald, seeing

you didn’t know, anyone who barges into their territory will definitely suffer a terrible fate!

smiling as he replied, “But of course I’m serious. Why

to court death or something?!” growled Yohr as he instantly

Yohr was already standing inches away from Gerald’s feet, his

you afraid of death at all?” scoffed Yohr

here in the first place if I was afraid of dying! Regardless, perhaps this will answer your question!” retorted Gerald with a

form, the surprised Yohr couldn’t help but exclaim, “…So you’re a cultivator who’s half human and ghost? Color

that there existed other half human and ghost cultivators like Gerald, he also knew that these hybrid cultivators were generally

Yohr then turned to face his phantom soldiers before

soldiers do Yohr’s bidding, Gerald then returned

he had just witnessed, he now knew how that innkeeper had ended up getting all tied up the other day. After all, just like what had happened moments ago, Gerald’s physical body had gone unconscious while he was in his ghost form. If Rey remembered

Secretly or invisible

be! All of you!” ordered Yohr at his soldiers, prompting the phantom soldiers to quickly leave the

gone, Yohr immediately gestured for Gerald and Rey to take a seat before looking at Gerald and asking, “Now then… I wonder how I

by

look at Rey, cueing the boy

pleasure to meet both of you, Gerald and Rey. I admit that I may have been a bit offensive earlier… With that in mind, I do hope that you don’t take that to heart!” said Yohr in

After all, Yohr’s attitude toward them had just

just hoping to pass through Phantom City to accomplish something important elsewhere! With that in mind, I hope you’ll just let us go!” replied Gerald, not wanting to waste any more time than he needed

have a favor I’d like to

favor?” asked Gerald

your mission!” said Yohr as he

taking the paper and looking at the sketch of the Phangrottom Jade, Gerald couldn’t help but ask, “…And why do you

I can’t tell you about that for the time being… However, I’ll definitely tell you more about it once you bring it back!” replied Yohr in

it done!” said Gerald since he just wanted to leave

appreciate it, Gerald and Rey! I’ll get my men to escort you out right this instant!” declared

the phantom soldiers, Gerald and Rey then left Phantom City

separated the Phantom City from the territory of the Phangrottom Clan. With that in mind, the duo would have to scale the ocean in order to get to

boats to ride to cross this ocean?” asked Gerald as he looked at one of

we had boats, we wouldn’t know how to get there. Regardless, this is where our escort ends. The rest is up to you,” replied the phantom soldier as the rest of them nodded before quickly riding back to

as the soldiers left, Gerald and Rey couldn’t help but feel that they had

should we do now, Mr. Crawford…?” asked

appeared rather perplexed. To think that this ocean would be the

around, Gerald saw that there really weren’t any boats around. Did they actually have to resort to swimming…? Then again, Gerald knew better

The Secretly or