He casually flipped through the clothes placed by the side of the tub. There were garments from inner to outer layers, the fabric felt very comfortable to the touch, and at a glance, the various decorative patterns were quite aesthetically pleasing. John Smith absentmindedly fiddled with them, pondering to himself.

When it comes to clothing, food, housing, and transportation, these things actually encompass a lot. Take clothing, for example—it includes cotton and silk, weaving, tailoring, dyeing, and even aesthetic design. It's easy to say that martial prowess is revered above all, but if no one values anything besides martial strength, then how did these other things develop? John Smith sometimes reads novels and always feels like they make it sound as if everyone only cares about cultivation, yet you never see them lacking clothes to wear.

So, after arriving in a world like this, John Smith had been observing these things all along—not just out of curiosity, but because understanding the world is the premise for all actions. Those who just sit down and bury themselves in cultivation are destined to be taken advantage of when they step outside.

From his current analysis, it was true that this world valued martial strength, but that didn’t mean other aspects hadn’t developed. Just like in his own world, where only Confucian scholars were respected in ancient times, and although folk craftsmanship was looked down upon, it still progressed all the same. It’s the same principle. The pursuit of a better life is human nature; as long as society is stable, people will naturally strive to improve their quality of life. Just look at these brand-new men’s ready-made clothes—John Smith remembered that ready-made garments only appeared in the Song Dynasty in his world, which wasn’t that early, but here they already existed. And whether in terms of materials, workmanship, or design, they were not behind at all.

So, in the end... whether a society values literature or martial arts, there’s no essential difference.

If, in his own world, some who studied literature in ancient times did so out of ambition, most people were just after fame and fortune, wanting to rise above others. In this world, martial prowess is revered, but is everyone really pursuing the true essence of martial arts, or upholding justice in their hearts?

Aren’t most people still just trying to get ahead and live better lives? Martial arts are just a means to an end. In other words, if there were other ways to achieve all this, they wouldn’t necessarily practice martial arts.

Just like how Sarah Miller could crush him with a single finger, yet she still came to flirt with him—doesn’t that say it all?

John Smith let out a breath and showed a relaxed smile. No matter what world it is, in the end, all roads lead to the same place.

He was lost in thought when, suddenly, a slender figure appeared out of thin air before him. Looking closely, Lily Carter was standing in front of his bath tub, tilting her head to examine his shoulders exposed above the water, her smile carrying a hint of mischief.

John Smith didn’t bother to pretend to cover himself up. He lazily leaned against the side of the tub and said helplessly, “I already told you I didn’t see you guys clearly back then, but you still insist on looking back? Fine, fine, enjoy yourself.”

Lily Carter propped her elbow on the edge of the tub, resting her chin on her little fist, and grinned, “Someone clearly has no cultivation at all, yet managed to withstand the charm technique by sheer willpower. Master is very impressed by your self-control, and I’m curious how you did it, so I came to see if you’re made of wood. But looking at you now, you’re clearly flesh and blood.”

“You all know about that? So Sarah Miller was sent by you guys to test me on purpose?”

“That’s not it. We don’t even know what she’s up to... In fact, ever since you left, Master has been secretly observing your performance and is very satisfied with the result. Congratulations, Master really intends to let you be the accountant this time.” Lily Carter smiled. “How did you do it? Isn’t Sarah Miller pretty?”

“Don’t you think you’re all a bit too confident? That charm technique is pretty seductive, sure, but it’s not like everyone would lose control. Besides, she didn’t go all out, did she?”

“Our secret technique isn’t as weak as you think. It triggers the most primal desires in the human heart, reaching straight to the soul—it’s not something you can resist with willpower alone. Even if Sarah Miller didn’t use her full strength, for an ordinary person with no cultivation to withstand it is almost impossible. Unless you have some treasure for clearing the mind and warding off evil, but you’re completely bare, not carrying anything.” Lily Carter rolled her eyes and grinned, “Hey, actually, you just don’t like women, do you?”

John Smith wasn’t in the mood to care about being mistaken for gay. What flashed through his mind was the pattern in his palm. Could it be that the reason he resisted so easily wasn’t his worldly experience, but because he had a cheat ability suppressing it? He probed, “Could it be because of the effect of that so-called World-Suppressing Cauldron?”

“The World-Suppressing Cauldron does have that effect—warding off evil and dispelling spirits, upright and righteous, second to none.” Lily Carter replied casually, “But it’s not yours, so it won’t protect you personally.”

John Smith took a silent breath. Looks like he really did get a cheat ability, and maybe this cheat is as thick as a thigh, only the tip of the iceberg showing for now... Afraid of being found out, he didn’t dare continue the topic and quickly changed the subject: “Hey, little girl, are you really planning to watch me get up?”

“What’s the big deal? You don’t like women anyway.”

“I can tell you with absolute certainty, what I like most in this life is women.” John Smith couldn’t be bothered to say more. If this little girl isn’t afraid, why should I be? With that, he stood up straight, sending up a splash of water.

A mighty spear stood tall, and Lily Carter’s eyes nearly popped out as she hurriedly turned around, stomping her foot. “You really did stand up! Shameless!”