Villain: Gouging Out the Heroine’s Spiritual Eyes at the Beginning

Chapter 3: The Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes Must Not Be Leaked:

“Yes,” the girl replied mechanically before stepping toward Qin Yang.

“You dare hit me? Don’t you know I am—”

Slap!

Before he could finish, You Ruo’s hand landed sharply on his face. Qin Yang hadn’t expected such a petite girl to strike with such ruthless force.

However, the members of the Shen family weren’t surprised. They were long accustomed to her severity.

You Ruo was Shen Yuan’s favorite character when he read the original novel. As a demon adopted and trained by Shen Yuan, she became a cold-blooded assassin, decisive in her actions and ruthless in eliminating countless hidden threats to Shen Yuan. She handled all the shady dealings Shen Yuan needed done because she loved him. Her loyalty was unwavering, and she gave everything for Shen Yuan without regret.

Her ending, however, was tragic. 

The Northern Qi Empire strictly prohibited demons, and when her true identity was exposed, the Empire’s Demon Subjugation Division dismembered her, using her demon core as nourishment for Qin Yang.

Perhaps this was the author’s twisted way of showing the consequences of loving the wrong person: women who loved the protagonist lived fulfilling lives, while those who loved villains met tragic fates.

In fact, villains were rarely loved at all. 

Throughout the entire novel, no one genuinely cared for Shen Yuan. His world was filled with schemes and betrayals. The only one who truly loved him was You Ruo—and she wasn’t even human.

As for the protagonist? Every female lead poured their heart and soul into him. Wherever he went, he seemed to stumble upon admirers.

Maybe this was the author’s way of portraying villains as unloved.

Despite this, Shen Yuan admired You Ruo’s character. She was loyal—loyal to the point of devotion. To her, Shen Yuan was the center of her world, her everything. As a modern man, Shen Yuan understood how rare and valuable such unconditional loyalty was in a chaotic world.

“Stop,” Shen Yuan commanded, gesturing for You Ruo to stand down.

By this time, Qin Yang’s cheeks were swollen, his face resembling a pig’s head.

“Surname Qin, you should be grateful for the Shen family’s rules. Otherwise, you’d be dead by now. Don’t push your luck,” Shen Yuan said coldly.

“If not for the protagonist’s plot armor and divine protection, I would’ve killed you already.” Shen Yuan thought to himself.

Turning to Shen Xiao’er, he continued, “And you? Have you made up your mind? If you return the Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes to the Shen family, I’ll let you leave with this fool. I won’t interfere with you anymore.”

Without the Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes, Shen Xiao’er would lose all value as an asset to the protagonist.

Shen Xiao’er hesitated, her eyes filled with fear.

“What’s the matter?” Shen Yuan’s voice turned icy. “This is the Shen family’s bloodline. Didn’t you say you wanted to leave the Shen family? I’m not asking you to repay the family for the countless resources we’ve invested in you. I’m only asking you to return what belongs to us. Is that too much?”

Whispers broke out among the surrounding Shen family members.

“She was so bold earlier, claiming she’d leave the Shen family without hesitation. But now that she’s asked to return the eyes, she’s faltering.”

“Do you even realize how much the Shen family invested in her? Without those rare resources, does she think she could’ve reached her current level through her own efforts?”

“She’s been with the Shen family for over a decade, yet not only does she lack gratitude, but now she’s betraying us for some man who came out of nowhere. She’s nothing but an ungrateful traitor.”

Shen Yuan leaned in closer, his voice dripping with mockery.

“Weren’t you willing to sacrifice everything for love? But now, you can’t even sacrifice your eyes?”

“But… if I gouge out my eyes, I’ll be blind…” Shen Xiao’er stammered, her face pale with despair.

Shen Yuan, unmoved by her pitiful expression, remained resolute. 

Without the Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes, her value to Qin Yang would be severely diminished. Letting her go without removing them was like setting a tiger free to roam unchecked—something Shen Yuan would never allow. If he had to let her go, it would only be after defanging her completely.

“The Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes are part of the Shen family’s bloodline. If you wish to leave the family, it’s only fair to return them. Even Nezha could cut off his flesh and bones to repay his parents. I’m merely asking you to return your eyes. Why are you hesitating?”

“Your pursuit of love seems rather shallow.”

“Shen Yuan… must you really make me gouge out my eyes?” Shen Xiao’er pleaded.

“Call me Patriarch,” Shen Yuan corrected her sharply, his indifferent gaze meeting hers. “I’ve been far too lenient with you. That’s why you’ve forgotten your place.”

Shen Xiao’er glanced at the dagger lying coldly on the ground. Trembling, she couldn’t bring herself to pick it up.

“You Ruo,” Shen Yuan called.

“Here, Master.”

Lowering his voice, Shen Yuan gave his next order. “It seems our dear Miss Shen is afraid of pain. Very well. You do it for her. Gouge out her eyes. If the opportunity arises, I might reward you with the Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes.”

You Ruo’s breathing quickened at his words. Being a demon, her status was incredibly low. She had no surname, and even the name “You Ruo” was given to her by Shen Yuan. 

In the original novel, her greatest wish was to be granted the Shen surname—a wish that remained unfulfilled until her tragic death.

If obtaining the family’s name was impossible, how could she dream of inheriting the family’s bloodline or the Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes?

But You Ruo trusted Shen Yuan unconditionally. If he promised, she believed he would deliver. She knew her loyalty would be rewarded one day.

“Yes, Master,” she responded without hesitation. Her unwavering trust in him was evident.

Walking toward Shen Xiao’er, You Ruo’s steps were calm but deliberate. To her, it didn’t matter who the target was. Shen Yuan’s orders were absolute.

“Don’t… don’t come any closer…” Shen Xiao’er whimpered, recognizing You Ruo’s infamous ruthlessness.

You Ruo offered a cold smile. “Apologies, Miss Xiao’er. I’m simply following my master’s orders. Since you’re afraid of pain, allow me to handle this. Don’t worry—I’m very skilled. It won’t hurt for long.”

Her words were filled with politeness, but her intentions were unmistakable. Though You Ruo addressed herself as a lowly servant, her demeanor carried the weight of someone who knew her true standing within the Shen family. Everyone understood that You Ruo was Shen Yuan’s sharpest sword.

“Don’t touch Xiao’er!” Qin Yang stepped forward, shielding her. His act of bravery nearly brought tears to Shen Xiao’er’s eyes.

Shen Yuan, however, smirked dangerously. “Take your eyes? What good are they? The Shen family’s Thousand Illusion Spirit Eyes are unparalleled. Do you think your ordinary eyes can compare?”

His scornful words left Qin Yang’s face red with anger and embarrassment. Yet Qin Yang clung to a desperate hope: that Shen Yuan wouldn’t harm Shen Xiao’er. After all, he believed Shen Yuan’s past fondness for her would stay his hand.

In the original plot, Qin Yang would’ve been correct. Shen Yuan’s momentary hesitation would’ve allowed them to leave safely, with Shen Xiao’er ultimately falling into Qin Yang’s arms.

But this Shen Yuan was no longer the same.