He casually flipped through the clothes placed by the edge of the tub. There were all kinds, from inner to outer layers, and the fabric felt very comfortable to the touch. At a glance, the various decorative patterns were also quite aesthetically pleasing. James Carter 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 valued above all, but if no one cares about anything except martial strength, how did these other things develop? Sometimes when James Carter reads novels, he always feels like they make it sound as if everyone only focuses on cultivation, yet you never see them lacking clothes to wear.

So, after arriving in a world like this, James Carter had always been observing these things—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.

From his current analysis, it's true that this world values martial arts, but that doesn't mean other aspects haven't developed. Just like in his own world's ancient times, where only Confucianism was respected, and folk crafts were looked down upon, yet they still developed and 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—James Carter remembered that ready-made clothes only appeared in the Song Dynasty in his own world, which wasn't that early, but here they already exist. And whether it's the materials, craftsmanship, or design, they're not behind at all.

So, in the end... whether a society values culture or martial arts, there's no real difference in essence.

If, in his own world, some ancient scholars might have had lofty ideals, most people were just after fame and fortune, wanting to rise above others. In this world, martial arts are revered, but is it really true that everyone pursues the true meaning of martial arts, or upholds 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 Charlotte could crush him with a single finger, yet she still came to flirt with him—doesn't that say it all?

James Carter let out a sigh 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, his vision blurred and a slender figure appeared out of thin air in front of him. Looking closely, Emily Grant was standing in front of his bath tub, tilting her head as she eyed his shoulders above the water, her smile carrying a hint of mischief.

James Carter didn't bother to pretend to cover himself up. He lazily leaned against the edge 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."

Emily Grant propped her elbow on the rim of the tub, resting her little fist under her chin, 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 really 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 Charlotte really was sent by you guys to test me?"

"Not at all. We didn't even know what she was up to... In fact, ever since you left, Master has been secretly observing your behavior and is very satisfied with the results. Congratulations, Master really intends to let you be the accountant this time." Emily Grant smiled. "How did you do it? Isn't Charlotte pretty?"

"I think you guys are 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 Charlotte didn't use her full strength, for an ordinary person with no cultivation to withstand it is almost impossible. Unless you have some kind of treasure for clearing the mind and warding off evil, but you're completely naked—there's nothing on you." Emily Grant's eyes darted around as she grinned, "Hey, actually, you just don't like women, do you?"

James Carter wasn't in the mood to care about being mistaken for gay. What flashed through his mind was the pattern on his palm. Could it be that the reason he resisted so easily wasn't his worldly experience, but because he had a golden finger 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 expelling demons, upright and righteous, second to none," Emily Grant replied casually. "But it's not yours, so it won't protect you personally from evil influences."

James Carter took a silent breath. Looks like he really did get a golden finger, and maybe this finger is as thick as a thigh, and he's only seen the tip of the iceberg so far... 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."

"Let me make it very clear: what I like most in life is women." James Carter 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.

With his "big spear" standing tall, Emily Grant's eyes nearly popped out of her head. She hurriedly turned around, stomped her foot, and exclaimed, "You really did stand up! Shameless!"