Chapter 158: The Demon Disguise and the Heart of the Enemy Territory

In the eerie stillness, the towering gates of the demon headquarters loomed before Li Yang, imposing and seemingly impenetrable. He knew that a straightforward entry could be suicidal. Weighing his options, he decided that deception might be his best chance. As he skulked around the perimeter, fate seemed to favor his plan.

He stumbled upon a lone demon named Jay, clad in a distinctive black windbreaker with a face obscured by a dark mask. Recognizing the opportunity, Li Yang swiftly incapacitated the unsuspecting demon. With Jay unconscious, Li Yang turned to Lysar. "You can read minds, can't you? I need to know everything about this demon. The more authentic I can be in my impersonation, the better."

Lysar, a little surprised by Li Yang's memory, replied, "I didn't think you'd remember that. Hold his hand, and I'll do the rest."

A flurry of images and memories washed over Li Yang as he gripped Jay's hand. He learned that Jay was an orphan, with no family ties and no close associates. This information was a boon; impersonating a demon with no immediate family or friends meant there would be fewer chances of being caught.

With the acquired knowledge, Li Yang quickly stripped Jay of his distinctive attire, mask, and an emblem he found in Jay's pocket, which he guessed to be some sort of identity or pass. Ensuring there were no loose ends, he eliminated Jay, leaving no trace behind.

Dressed as Jay, Li Yang confidently approached the city's entrance. The guards were intimidating, with piercing eyes that seemed to judge every demon that passed by. As he got closer, one of the guards stepped forward, "Token?" Without hesitation, Li Yang presented the emblem he took from Jay. After what felt like an eternity, but was merely seconds, the guard nodded and allowed him to pass.

The first hurdle was overcome, but Li Yang knew he was far from safe. The demon city was a maze of narrow alleys, bustling markets, and grand demonic structures. Every corner teemed with demons of various shapes, sizes, and grotesqueness. They all had one thing in common: the aura of malevolence.

Moving cautiously, Li Yang began to gather information. He mingled with the city's denizens, picking up tidbits of information, overhearing conversations, always keeping an ear out for any mention of the magical array. The city, though filled with hostility, was also rich in culture and trade. Demonic artisans hawked their wares, and eateries served exotic dishes. Li Yang had to resist the urge to explore, reminding himself of his primary objective.

As the day wore on, he realized that finding the magical array wouldn't be easy. However, he felt confident that with his disguise and the information he had, he would eventually locate it. The deeper he ventured into the demon city, the more he realized that this mission was about more than just finding the magical array; it was a test of his wit, perseverance, and courage.