Chapter 1018: Arm Yourself
Editor: Henyee Translations

The food was served efficiently, likely due to the lack of customers. Soon, all the dishes, including the four steamed buns, were brought to the table.

Xuan Louze stared at the four buns, which were as large as his face. “…”

He asked Zeng Huo, “Why are these buns so big?”

Zeng Huo, finding it amusing to see Chu Tang in an awkward situation, smiled and said, “They’ve always been like this.”

Xuan Louze took one bun and placed the remaining three in front of Zeng Huo. “The remaining three are yours. Don’t waste them.”

Zeng Huo looked at the solid buns, gulping. He could usually only manage one and a half buns at most. “I’ll pack them up later to make sure they don’t go to waste.”

Xuan Louze nodded, “As long as they aren’t wasted.”

The two began eating.

Halfway through their meal, a discordant voice rang out, “Hey, Louze, you’ve changed partners?”

Xuan Louze felt a shiver of disgust and turned to see a young man in purple with a longsword, sporting a headless fish carving at his waist—a member of the Xuan family.

Behind him were two men in black, likely bodyguards.

Zeng Huo whispered to Xuan Louze, “That’s Xuan Dongwu from the first branch. He’s vindictive and petty.”

Xuan Dongwu noticed their whispering and sneered, “Flirting openly, are we? No shame…”

Before he could finish, a powerful force sent him and his two bodyguards flying, landing in a heap.

Xuan Louze followed, saying, “Wow, you’re even more shameless. No one can match you.”

He snapped his fingers, causing Xuan Dongwu to do something shocking, leaving the tavern patrons and passersby with their mouths agape.

Realizing what had happened, Xuan Dongwu was furious. “Xuan Louze, do you know my elder brother is the next head of the Xuan family?”

Xuan Louze looked at him with disdain. “Does it matter if I know? Besides, until it’s official, don’t boast. It could backfire.”

Xuan Dongwu, seething with rage, retorted, “What? Are you saying you could become the family head?”

Zeng Huo thought to himself, If Chu Tang wanted, the Xuan family head position would be his. Never underestimate anyone.

Xuan Louze calmly said, “I’m also a member of the Xuan family. Why not?”

Xuan Dongwu pushed away his bodyguards and stood, pointing at Xuan Louze with fury. “You think you can become the head? Keep dreaming!”

Xuan Louze’s gaze swept over the three of them with contempt. “I might think about it, but you definitely can’t.”

Xuan Dongwu was so angry he nearly blacked out. “…”

Xuan Louze gestured to Zeng Huo. “Let’s continue eating. Those shameless guys wasted our time, and I’m starving.”

“Yes, let’s eat,” Zeng Huo said, barely holding back his laughter. Chu Tang truly was vindictive.

Xuan Dongwu was fuming with anger, feeling his chest burn. I must kill Xuan Louze!

His left bodyguard advised, “Fifth Young Master, don’t worry about Xuan Louze now. Once we’re back at the Xuan family, you can deal with him as you see fit.”

“You’re right.” Xuan Dongwu took the advice and calmed down, re-entering the tavern. “Bring wine and food!”

“Right away,” the innkeeper hurried to comply.

Xuan Louze raised his palm and blew towards Xuan Dongwu, then continued eating.

Two hours later, Xuan Dongwu, while riding, suddenly had an uncontrollable bout of diarrhea without any warning.

…

Xuan Louze and Zeng Huo finished their meal and continued their journey. Xuan Louze enjoyed the braised lamb so much that he packed some to go.

After five days of travel, they finally reached Chen’an’s capital, Zhongling City.

Along the way, they saw desolation, with cities, towns, and villages nearly empty. But Zhongling City seemed more lively, resembling a normal city.

As they were about to enter the city, a group of refugees rushed out from the forest. “Officers, let us in to see the doctors!”

The gate guards drew their swords without hesitation, and the refugees, prepared, fought back.

The scene turned chaotic…

The city gates closed, and no one was allowed entry. Those waiting to enter stood aside, disgruntled but silent.

Xuan Louze and Zeng Huo moved to the side with the crowd. He whispered to Zeng Huo, “What’s going on?”

“Those refugees are from other places, seeking refuge in the capital. The city’s residents fear they have smallpox, and the king has ordered that any refugees attempting to enter be killed,” Zeng Huo explained sympathetically.

“Is the king so foolish?” Xuan Louze felt sorry for Chen’an’s people.

“The power now lies with the empress dowager and the second prince. The old king indulges in pleasure, neglecting state affairs,” Zeng Huo shrugged. “It’s a mess.”

“The country is on the brink of collapse. What’s the point of power?” Xuan Louze lamented the shortsightedness of the rulers.

“Who knows…” Zeng Huo looked skyward.

During their conversation, the fight ended with the gate guards defeated. The victorious refugees turned to attack the gates.

Suddenly, the gates opened, and a cavalry unit charged out, shooting the refugees.

Xuan Louze hadn’t intended to intervene, but when the arrows were aimed at him, he couldn’t ignore it.

He raised his hand, catching the arrows mid-air, reversing their direction, and shot them back at the cavalry, killing them instantly.

Seeing this, the refugees prepared to charge into the city…

Xuan Louze called out, “Don’t enter the city. It’s a death trap. Instead, take these horses and weapons to arm yourselves.”

The refugees hesitated.

Xuan Louze continued, “You can settle in another city. Many are deserted and full of supplies. Check warehouses, wealthy homes, and government offices. If you find seeds, move to a scenic village and start anew. It’s better than dying.”

A young refugee approached and knelt. “You’re the first to care for us. Please, let us follow you. We’ll obey your orders.”

Xuan Louze, “…”

He had only meant to give a kind warning, not intending to become anyone’s leader.

Zeng Huo, “…”

If Chu Tang had ambitions, he could easily gather Chen’an’s refugees to overthrow the regime.