IPW Chapter 6: This body has a problem

 Sima Youyue stood tall, his expression calm as he looked at his two older brothers. 

“My enemies are mine to deal with. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve grown up now and won’t be reckless like before.” 

“Good! Very good! Our little Yue has finally grown up!” Sima Lie laughed, clearly delighted. 

“Grandfather, I wasn’t very sensible before. I’ve caused you and my brothers a lot of worry. It was my fault, and I’m truly sorry,” Sima Youyue said sincerely. 

Through the memories of the original Sima Youyue, he could see just how much trouble the girl had caused in the past. Her obsession with handsome men had led her to hurt her family time and again. Still, deep down, she had truly loved them—otherwise, she wouldn’t have given her body to another soul, just to keep them from grieving her death. 

 “The past is the past. As long as Fifth Brother can recognize his mistakes, that’s enough,” said his third brother, Sima You Ran. “Besides, we’ve never once blamed you.” 

The others nodded in agreement. 

“I understand now. I won’t make the same mistakes again. I’m going to live properly from here on out.” 

“Haha, that’s what we like to hear. Since you’ve decided to take care of things yourself, we’ll step back. But if you need anything—anything at all—just say the word. We’ve got your back!” 

Before he realized it, Youyue felt his eyes misting. He wasn’t sure if it was his own emotions or the lingering sentiments of this body’s former owner. Either way, the warmth and protectiveness of this family were carving out a place in his heart. 

“Alright, let’s let Fifth Brother rest now. Even if the pill worked well, he’s still bound to be tired,” the eldest brother said gently. 

“Yeah, it’s getting late anyway. We’ll head out now. Fifth Brother, if you need anything, don’t keep it to yourself!” 

“Exactly! And don’t go sneaking out alone again—what if you get hurt?” 

“That’s right! Be good and stay at home!” 

Only after a long string of reminders and nagging did her grandfather and four brothers finally leave the room. 

Once she was alone, Sima Youyue let out a soft sigh, her voice filled with quiet envy. 

“You were really lucky… to have a family that loves you this much. I never thought I’d ever get to experience that kind of care. So, thank you. I’ll live this life well—for you.” 

After collecting herself, he called out, “Someone, come in.” 

“Young Master.” Two maids quietly pushed open the door and bowed. 

“I’d like a bath,” he said simply, too tired to elaborate. 

“Yes, Young Master. Please wait a moment.” 

The two maids stepped out and returned shortly after, carrying a large wooden tub. They came and went several times, pouring in buckets of steaming water. 

“Young Master, your bath is ready.” 

“Alright, you’re dismissed.” 

He waved them off, and only after confirming the door was closed did he climb out of bed. 

As she walked toward the tub, she peeled off her layers of clothing. By the time she stood before the bath, she was fully undressed. Looking down at her flat chest, then lower, she muttered, half amused and half resigned, 

“Yeah… definitely looks like a guy.” 

She stepped into the bath and slowly sank into the warm water. In her previous life, she had loved taking long soaks—something about the heat washing over her body made her feel like all the pain and exhaustion of the day was melting away. It gave her the strength to keep going. 

As the water gradually cooled, she lifted her left hand. On her ring finger was a familiar ring—one she’d worn for as long as she could remember. According to Sima Lie, it was a magical artifact known as the illusion ring, which altered her appearance to that of a man. He had always warned her to never take it off, especially around others. 

But even so, the former Sima Youyue had sometimes removed it when she was alone. She’d even instructed her maids never to enter without permission, just in case. 

And right now, she needed to examine her body. She gently twisted a hidden mechanism on the ring. With a soft click, her form shifted instantly, revealing the body of a young woman. 

She pressed three fingers to her wrist, feeling for her pulse. 

In her past life, though she’d worked as an assassin, her public identity was that of a young associate professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine—one of the youngest ever at her university. She lived a quiet, academic life unless a mission required her otherwise. 

The longer she took her pulse, the more serious her expression became. She let go of her wrist and raised her arms, revealing a red and a black mole under each armpit—just as she’d suspected.

“So this body really does have a problem… no wonder I can’t cultivate.” 

After drying off and getting dressed, she reset the illusion ring and returned to her male disguise. Standing in front of the mirror, he studied his reflection. He wasn’t exactly a showstopper, but with his delicate features and refined air, he was definitely easy on the eyes. If not for his past behaviour, no one would’ve questioned her looks—though many simply assumed he was eccentric or “bent,” and ignored his appearance entirely. 

He called the maids back to remove the bathwater. One was named Yun Yue, the other Chun Jian—beautiful names, in her opinion. They had served her faithfully for years and strictly obeyed his orders about not entering without being called. While other maids came and went, these two stayed. Perhaps out of loyalty—or maybe fear. 

“Yun Yue, Chun Jian. I’m hungry,” he said casually. 

Cultivators could absorb spiritual energy from their surroundings for nourishment, reducing their need to eat. The stronger the cultivator, the less food they needed. At the highest levels, many stopped eating entirely. 

But Sima Youyue, who couldn’t cultivate at all, had no such luxury—eating was a must. 

“We’ve already prepared your meal, Young Master. Shall we bring it in now?” Yun Yue asked softly. 

“Yes, please! You’re the best!” His spirits instantly lifted at the thought of food. 

Even in his past life, despite being constantly caught between assassinations and research, he had been a passionate foodie. He had taken time to study multiple cuisines—Sichuan, Cantonese, Hunan—you name it. Cooking was one of the few pleasures he allowed himself, and it was something he refused to give up, no matter how busy life got. 

 

*Please note that Sima Youyue refers to herself as she in private but calls herself he when there is company. Where in her previous life or current life she is a female, she is just disguised as a male in public spaces and in front of others.