Chapter 41: I Will Wait for You Forever

Early spring.

The weather showed no sign of improvement at all.

Every morning when Li Ang woke up, a thin layer of frost still hung outside.

However, the blizzard that had raged before was unlikely to return.

During this period, Li Ang could clearly feel the tension rising in the city.

Rumor had it that the battles at the border were intensifying.

These days, besides researching potions, Li Ang would occasionally play with the little succubus cat and sometimes take her out for a walk.

The scar removal cream he had sent out earlier received great feedback.

According to the women who repurchased it, the scar removal cream also had some beautifying effects.

So Li Ang made some adjustments and directly launched a brand-new Beauty Cream, which, needless to say, immediately sold like hotcakes.

Which woman doesn’t love to be beautiful?

Several noble ladies even came all the way to his small stall to buy the Beauty Cream, some hoping to purchase his formula outright, all of whom Li Ang had refused.

Because of this, his savings had become quite abundant, and Liyasi’s life improved significantly as well.

At least she no longer had to drink porridge every day like before.

Since Liyasi was legally allowed to appear in the city, she rarely stayed in her room.

When Li Ang was busy in the shop, she would bring a chair over and pretend to read, but her gaze was always fixed on him.

Whenever a human woman tried to flirt with Li Ang, Liyasi’s cheeks would puff up, and she’d look somewhat upset.

“Sorry, all the potions are sold out today, and there’s no more Beauty Cream either.”

Li Ang apologized to the customer in front of him.

He was about to close the door when a thunderous shout exploded above the city:

“Attention all humans within the city! A fugitive of the demon race is hiding here. You have three days to hand them over, or after three days, the demon army will trample this city first!”

“If handed over, we the demon race solemnly swear never to invade this city!”

As the voice faded, a vast swirl of black demonic energy condensed into a vivid portrait in the sky—it was unmistakably a succubus!

At the instant Li Ang saw the image clearly, his expression changed drastically.

He slammed the door shut and dragged the dazed Liyasi back inside.

At that moment, the entire city exploded into chaos.

“A demon in the city?”

“Three days? Is war going to break out? Can we hold out?”

“What’s there to fear? We’ll fight to the death! We humans aren’t cowards!”

Countless heated debates broke out—some worried, while those with fighting spirits swore to fight to the bitter end.

But soon, someone raised a crucial point.

“But… what they want us to hand over is a succubus. As long as we hand her over, nothing will happen to us.”

For a moment, the quarrels silenced.

That’s right, since the one they had to hand over was also a demon, what did it have to do with them?

Let the demon dogs fight amongst themselves.

No one would have to die.

After a brief silence, countless eyes instantly glowed with crazed, bloodshot red.

“A succubus? Has anyone seen a succubus in the city?”

“I remember there was a demon who stole something before…”

“Wait, wasn’t there a succubus slave in that potion shop?”

“Yeah! I remember that too!”

Fear mixed with the desperate will to survive surged wildly among the crowd.

Since sacrificing one foreign demon could avert disaster, who would want to risk their life?

Moreover, it was just a demon!

The crowd surged like a boiling tide, rushing toward the unassuming potion shop in the city.

***

Inside the house, Li Ang listened to the escalating commotion outside, his face dark enough to drip water.

The door panels were being battered loudly.

Liyasi had obviously heard the words just now, and her young face had turned pale.

Her lips trembled as she said, “It’s Sister… she found me…”

“Li Ang, what… what should I do?”

The girl anxiously grabbed Li Ang’s arm like clutching a straw, yet her eyes still overflowed with trust in him.

“Don’t be afraid.”

Li Ang pulled Liyasi to the window on the other side, looking into her eyes seriously.

“You have to leave from here. Remember, you must get out of the city.”

“All their attention is focused here now. This is your only chance to leave. Once you’re out of the city, run westward. There’s a cave there where I left some food before. Hide there.”

Liyasi was stunned for a moment, then held Li Ang’s small hand tighter.

“What about you?”

“I’ll stay here to draw their attention.”

Li Ang rubbed the girl’s head in comfort.

“Don’t worry, they won’t do anything to me. Go quickly.”

Liyasi was not foolish; she understood the situation clearly.

This was the only choice.

But the thought of separating from Li Ang made her heart flutter wildly for some reason.

“I… I understand.”

She lowered her head.

“Then… you’ll come looking for me, right?”

“Mm.”

Li Ang nodded.

“Dummy Li Ang, you can’t lie to me. You’re my… master.”

Liyasi bit her lip lightly, lifting her head to look at Li Ang unwillingly, tears welling in her eyes.

“I told you, you can trust me forever.”

Li Ang’s gaze softened.

“Swear it!”

“I swear, I will never abandon you.”

“Mm.”

The girl nodded firmly, hesitating for a moment before puffing up her cheeks. “Even if you lie to me, I’ll always… always wait for you…”

“So don’t lie to me, okay? You’re the only one I can trust now…”

***

Watching the girl’s figure gradually fade into the distance, Li Ang finally exhaled in relief.

He then stepped out of the room and reached out to open the shop door.

“The door’s open!”

“Hurry, where’s that succubus? Why can’t we see her?”

“Kid, hand her over quickly!”

Li Ang calmly surveyed the noisy crowd before him and said nothing.

After the crowd quieted down, he slowly spoke: “Succubus? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Upon hearing Li Ang’s words, the impatient among the crowd angrily shouted:

“Kid! Don’t play dumb! Who doesn’t know you’re keeping a succubus slave? Hand her over!”

Li Ang replied slowly, “And if I don’t hand her over?”

“Damn! Why waste time arguing with him? Just go in and drag out that beast!”

Someone cursed, and the crowd grew even more restless.

“Everyone, calm down!”

A steady voice cut through the clamor as a middle-aged man in fine clothes stepped forward.

Soon, some recognized him.

“Deputy City Lord!”

The middle-aged man looked kindly at Li Ang.

“Young brother, I’m sure you heard the demon threat. Hand over the succubus. If you do, you’ll be the hero who saves this city! Your losses will be compensated doubly by the City Lord’s Mansion; you name the price!”

The Deputy City Lord showed genuine sincerity, but Li Ang silently shook his head.

The man’s expression stiffened, a dark gleam flashing in his eyes.

He lowered his voice, every word filled with accusation: “Do you want to be a traitor to humanity? Do you know how many people will die once the war breaks out? Are you willing to betray humanity for a single demon?”

Heavy accusations fell like a guillotine—humanity’s survival seemed to hinge on Li Ang’s decision.

Li Ang raised his head and said softly, “Do you really believe what the demon race says?”

“Whether true or not, what does it matter? It’s just a succubus. If handing her over saves the city, why not?”

The man spoke righteously, but Li Ang saw through the cowardice behind his words.

He was simply afraid of death—but who isn’t?

Li Ang turned sideways and said quietly, “You’re right. But she is not with me.”

“Impossible! Someone just saw her!”

The man reflexively objected.

“You can come in and search.”

Li Ang calmly stepped aside.

The Deputy City Lord looked at his composed demeanor with unease.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and without another word, he rushed into the shop first, followed closely by the crowd of onlookers.