General Evan Xiao Is So Handsome

"Second-rank Spirit Master," Evan Xiao replied coolly.

"Just a second-rank Spirit Master! How could he possibly have such skill? Was he really able to repel the attack from the imperial noble families?"

Evan Xiao glanced at Prince Zane Tuoba and spoke four words: "That's just the truth."

"Is that so?" Prince Zane Tuoba sneered and said, "Then I'd like to see it for myself! General Xiao, would you care to give me a lesson?"

Evan Xiao didn't answer.

At that moment, a respected elder prince spoke up: "Your Majesty, I believe that to become Grand Marshal of the Vermilion Kingdom, merit is secondary. Haven't all those present achieved great things? The key is ability! Only someone truly capable of commanding our Vermilion army can be up to the task!"

"The reason I chose Evan Xiao as Grand Marshal is precisely because of his ability!" Emperor Tuoba Hong declared.

"Prince Zane Tuoba has already reached fourth-rank Spirit Master and has served as Left General under the old Grand Marshal for years, mastering his military strategies. Everyone assumed that after the old Grand Marshal passed, Prince Zane Tuoba would take the post! But suddenly this unknown Evan Xiao appears—how can he convince the masses?" the elder prince said bluntly.

"Then what does Royal Uncle suggest?" Emperor Tuoba Hong asked with a stern face.

The emperor was clearly displeased.

But the old Royal Uncle wasn't convinced. He insisted, "How about this? Let General Xiao and Prince Zane Tuoba compete. If he can beat Prince Zane Tuoba, he'll win everyone's respect! If not, then the Grand Marshal position should go to Prince Zane Tuoba!"

Emperor Tuoba Hong listened, glanced at Evan Xiao, then inexplicably smiled and said, "Royal Uncle makes a good point! Let's have a contest—three rounds, best two out of three wins."

"Your Majesty, how will the contest be held?" someone asked eagerly.

"The first round is a test of cultivation," Emperor Tuoba Hong said. "The second round is a battle of military strategy—each leads an army against the other!"

Everyone nodded in agreement. That would be a thorough competition.

"For the third round, if there's still no winner after the first two, I'll come up with a challenge myself. What do you all think?"

"Wise, Your Majesty," said another highly respected Royal Uncle. "To be Grand Marshal, personal cultivation and the ability to command troops are both important. Competing in both is very fair."

Emperor Tuoba Hong nodded, then asked, "Zane, Evan Xiao, do you both agree?"

"No objections, Your Majesty," Prince Zane Tuoba replied.

"I obey, Your Majesty," Evan Xiao said.

Tuoba Hong nodded slightly. "Since everyone is here today, let's begin the first round right now! Clear the center, both of you, and remember to stop before things get out of hand."

...

This was the first time Qingluan had ever seen Evan Xiao compete in a martial contest!

She was both excited and nervous, hugging her pounding heart, staring at him without blinking.

As if he knew she was nervous, Evan Xiao stepped onto the stage without saluting the emperor or greeting his opponent, but suddenly looked at Qingluan and gave her a little smile.

"Ah!" A scream from not far away startled Qingluan.

She saw two girls pointing at Evan Xiao, jumping and shouting, "So handsome!"

"General Xiao is so handsome!"

"Did he just smile at me? He smiled at me!"

"No, he smiled at me! Ah! I'm going to faint!"

...

Qingluan silently rolled her eyes and looked at Evan Xiao on the martial field.

He stood there quietly, tall and calm, like a god of war.

Zane Tuoba drew a sharp sword and charged at him.