**Luoyang, China –** Chaos and confusion reign in the heart of the Middle Kingdom following a bizarre and devastating incident involving the famed Gaulish warriors Asterix and Obelix. Earlier this afternoon, a colossal mud bath, triggered by an unexpected and frankly alarming bout of Obelix’s characteristic fermentation, resulted in the near-total destruction of Prince Caius’s summer palace just outside Luoyang.

Initial reports indicate that Obelix, during a celebratory feast commemorating the recent victory over the Germanic tribes, consumed an unusually large quantity of local plums – a delicacy known to exacerbate his already potent digestive processes. Witnesses describe a sudden, violent eruption of gas and a subsequent, unstoppable deluge of thick, grey mud emanating from the warrior. The mud, reportedly imbued with a surprisingly potent earthy aroma, engulfed the palace complex in a matter of seconds.

“It was…remarkable,” stated General Romulus, a veteran of numerous skirmishes, who witnessed the event from a nearby watchtower. “One moment the Prince was enjoying his afternoon tea, the next… well, the next he was buried up to his neck in mud. Honestly, you’d think he’d have learned his lesson after the incident with the giant turnips.”

The palace, a sprawling complex of marble and intricate carvings, is now largely unrecognizable, reduced to a sticky, unstable mass of mud and debris. While Prince Caius is reportedly unharmed, albeit covered in sludge, the loss of the palace represents a significant blow to the Xia Dynasty’s prestige.

“This is a truly unfortunate turn of events,” commented Imperial Advisor Lucius, visibly distraught. “The Prince was immensely proud of his new palace. It was supposed to be a symbol of his reign, a testament to the Xia’s power. Now…well, it’s just a very large mud puddle.”

Authorities are currently assessing the structural integrity of the remaining palace foundations and attempting to contain the expanding mudslide. The local population, initially stunned, is now largely focused on the logistical challenge of clearing the massive accumulation of mud. Military patrols have been deployed to maintain order and prevent looting, although initial reports suggest the locals are primarily concerned with salvaging any remaining decorative tiles.

The incident raises questions about the long-term implications for diplomatic relations with Gaul. The Xia Dynasty has historically been wary of the Gauls’ unpredictable nature, and this latest event is likely to fuel existing tensions. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.