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!

began rushing toward Gerald, the youth remained calm and simply took out the spirits, one

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

then smugly proposed, “Gerald, listen. Wouldn’t it be great if we just cooperated? With your intellect and

wasn’t going to

loss was already determined, Gerald knew that his other self was merely a temporary manifestation

Gerald. Understanding that it was now or never, Gerald immediately began projecting his

inner demon immediately began

held on to his aching head

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 to his other self and grabbed it by

his inner demon fine final time, Gerald then increased the force of

inner demon vanished, sending Gerald’s

Secretly or invisible Rich Man

successfully made it past his third soul bamboo, and with a swift attack, he instantly

as he said, “Congratulations for

that Torme knew about his battle, Gerald

that happened in each of the soul bamboos. I also know what each soul bamboo here stands for. Regardless,

sure you’re aware that not only would your

to defeat him! I must say, you haven’t disappointed

a serious tone, “Inner demons are dark manifestations that exist in everyone’s hearts. Sadly, not

in them becoming their worst nightmares… With that in mind, since you’ve managed to make it past your demons, I have to say I greatly admire

if you’ll excuse me, I’ll proceed with the next soul bamboo!” replied Gerald in

he was able to touch it, Torme

around, Gerald raised a slight brow as

to go through the fourth soul bamboo. You’ve passed the test!” replied Torme, astonishing Gerald quite a

Torme waved his hand… and just

I really passed everything, sir?” asked 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

the test without needing to fully complete it! Torme was even giving him the key to the large entrance of

before handing it

and inside, was an iron key with the Phangrottom

it, Gerald immediately

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

it. I’ll keep that in mind!”

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

to Torme’s words,

or invisible Rich

the case was, Gerald simply nodded before walking out

a nap with his back leaning

then patted Rey’s face a few times while saying, “Hey, I wasn’t in for that

Rey couldn’t help but exclaim, “A-ah! Mr. Crawford!

there for half an

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

go!” added Gerald, not wanting to bother about something that trivial. After all, the more crucial thing to do

at the city’s gates again, and upon showing the passing permit to the phantom officer, they were finally granted

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

of life,” replied Gerald, knowing that his answer was the

that he had been tested on back in the tower, he couldn’t help but feel pleased that after all that, he managed to obtain

didn’t know what Gerald was going on about, prompting him

“Forget about that for the moment. I actually have some good news to share! See, I’ve managed to obtain the key to the large

Rey immediately grew excited as he

of this?” replied Gerald as he glared at Rey while gesturing for him to keep it

cover a hand over his mouth to ensure no further noise came out from

it looked no different from human settlements, the ghosts here had their

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

one

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter

the duo could only exchange

a scene,

they arrived at what appeared to be a

armor-clad ghost

went by the name of Yohr God,

town!” reported one of

hearing that, Yohr got to his feet

to say, “…You’re

again…?” asked

who I am? You truly

snapped one of the phantom

couldn’t help but feel slightly surprised. To think that there would actually be a ghost king

people. It was honestly amusing how Gerald was the one trying to be reasonable with actual

not here to cause any trouble! We’re

through? Where exactly are you headed to?”

Phangrottom Clan!” declared

know, anyone who barges into their territory will definitely suffer a terrible fate! Do you honestly think you can make it back in

he replied, “But of course I’m serious. Why wouldn’t

to court death or something?!” growled Yohr as he instantly transformed into a dark fog

already standing inches away from Gerald’s feet, his eyes

all?” scoffed Yohr as he continued

place if I was afraid of dying! Regardless, perhaps this will

exclaim, “…So

half human and ghost cultivators like Gerald, he also knew that these hybrid cultivators were generally much stronger

to face his phantom soldiers before ordering,

soldiers do Yohr’s bidding, Gerald then

this entire time. Based on what 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

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible

at his soldiers, prompting the phantom soldiers to

were gone, Yohr immediately gestured for Gerald and Rey to take a seat before

by

to look at Rey, cueing the boy to add, “You can just call me

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 a respectful tone as

rightfully confused. After all, Yohr’s attitude toward them had just taken a complete

I hope you’ll just let us go!” replied Gerald, not wanting

do have a favor I’d like to

favor?” asked Gerald

your mission!” said Yohr as he retrieved a sheet of paper from under his armor before handing it

the sketch of the Phangrottom Jade, Gerald couldn’t help but ask, “…And

I’ll definitely tell you more about it once you bring it back!” replied Yohr

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

escort you out right this instant!” declared Yohr

phantom soldiers, Gerald and Rey then left Phantom

With that in mind,

this ocean?” asked Gerald

escort ends. The rest is up to you,” replied the phantom soldier as the rest of them nodded before quickly riding back to the

couldn’t help but feel that they had just been

do now, Mr.

himself appeared rather perplexed. To think that this ocean would

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

Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man