Chasing The Dream Of World Domination

Chapter 2 - Chen Yu's Dream

Qi Min nodded slowly. “My father accidentally overheard that besides the talent test, there will also be two other tests, but no one knows what they are.”

Chen Yu let out a soft sigh. “I already guessed this year would be more difficult.”

“Aren’t you afraid?” Qi Min asked.

Chen Yu fell silent for a moment. He looked at the sword in his hand. The sword was simple, even old-looking. Its blade did not shine like the swords owned by noble children. But to Chen Yu, the sword was very precious.

“This is my father’s sword,” Chen Yu said softly.

Qi Min and Lin Wanrou exchanged glances.

“Father once said… a true swordsman does not rely on his sword, but on his heart,” Chen Yu continued.

Lin Wanrou smiled faintly, but her eyes seemed slightly moist.

“You really resemble your father,” she said gently.

Chen Yu smiled faintly. “Father must have wanted me to join the Changyun Sect as well.”

Lin Wanrou fell silent. Memories of her husband resurfaced in her mind. A stubborn man, yet full of responsibility. A man who always tried to protect his family.

“Yu’er,” she called softly.

“Yes, Mother?”

“No matter what the result is… Mother will always be proud of you.”

Chen Yu was stunned. Those words instantly warmed his heart. He nodded gently. “I will do my best.”

Suddenly, the sound of small footsteps came from the back room.

“Brother!”

A little girl around ten years old ran out with a cheerful face. Her hair was tied into two braids, and her eyes sparkled brightly.

“Qing’er,” Chen Yu called with a smile.

Chen Qing’er immediately ran to her brother. “Brother, you were practicing in the rain again? You might get sick!”

Chen Yu chuckled softly. “I won’t get sick.”

Chen Qing’er pouted. “You always say that.”

Qi Min laughed at their interaction. “Qing’er is right. Your brother is too stubborn.”

Chen Qing’er then looked at Qi Min. “Sister Qi Min came again!”

Qi Min gently rubbed Chen Qing’er’s head. “Yes, I came to watch your brother practice.”

Chen Qing’er nodded repeatedly. “Brother will definitely pass the selection!”

Chen Yu smiled, but said nothing.

Lin Wanrou then said, “Alright, everyone sit down. I’ve prepared the food.”

On the simple wooden table, there were a few simple dishes. Vegetable soup, fried tofu, and a plate of warm rice.

Chen Yu sat together with his family. Although the food was simple, the atmosphere felt warm and comfortable.

Qi Min also sat down. “Aunt Lin, your cooking is always delicious,” she said while tasting the vegetable soup.

Lin Wanrou smiled. “If you like it, come more often.”

Chen Yu began eating slowly. His body felt tired after the long training, but his heart felt calm.

Meanwhile, the rain outside began to stop. The night air grew cooler. After eating, Qi Min prepared to leave.

“I have to go home before it gets too late. Otherwise, my grandmother will scold me,” she said.

Chen Yu stood up. “I’ll walk you out.” Qi Min nodded.

“Be careful, Miss Min. The road is a bit slippery,” Lin Wanrou reminded.

“Yes, thank you, Aunt Lin.”

“Sister Qi Min will come again tomorrow, right?” Qing’er asked.

“Of course I will.”

“Yay!” Qing’er jumped excitedly. Qi Min smiled, amused by Qing’er’s innocence.

The two walked slowly out of the house. The village road was still slightly wet. The damp soil released its distinctive scent after the rain. Yellow lamps illuminated the village road.

“Brother Yu,” Qi Min called softly.

“Yes?” Chen Yu turned.

“I’m sure you will pass.”

Chen Yu smiled faintly. “I hope so.”

Qi Min paused for a moment. “If you pass… don’t forget me.”

Chen Yu chuckled lightly. “Why are you saying that? We still live in the same village.”

Qi Min lowered her head slightly. “But after you join the sect… you’ll probably rarely come home.”

Chen Yu fell silent. What Qi Min said was true. And he could not deny it.

He didn’t answer immediately. His mind was thinking. “You should take the selection test too,” he said after a moment.

Qi Min looked at the handsome young man walking beside her. “Me? Take the selection test?” she repeated.

“Yes. The Changyun Sect also accepts female disciples. Why not try the Changyun Sect selection with me?”

“I would like to try, but my grandmother is old. Who will take care of her? My father is busy working,” Qi Min said hesitantly.

“My mother can help take care of Grandma Xi.”

Qi Min quickly shook her head. “No, Aunt Lin is already tired from working. It wouldn’t be right to ask her to take care of my grandmother too.”

They reached a crossroads. Just a little further and they would arrive at Qi Min’s house.

“I’ll go home now,” Qi Min said.

“Be careful. Tell me if you change your mind.”

Qi Min walked away slowly, then waved before opening the gate.

Chen Yu stood for a moment, looking at the starless night sky. The clouds moved slowly, and the moon began to appear from behind them. The night breeze gently blew, lifting his simply tied long hair.

Chen Yu clenched his fists. “Three days…” His eyes shone with determination.

“I will do my best.” He then turned around and walked back toward his house.

Chen Yu returned to his yard. The ground was still wet from the rain, and the night air felt cold against his skin. However, he did not immediately go inside. His hand reached for his simple sword again.

He took a deep breath, then began to swing the sword slowly.

His movements were not fast, but steady. Every swing felt firm, as if he was carving his determination into each motion. The remaining rainwater splashed with every step he took.

Inside the house, Lin Wanrou stood by the window. She looked at her son with a gentle yet worried gaze. It had been years since her husband passed away, and Chen Yu had grown much faster than children his age.

“This child… he pushes himself too hard,” she murmured softly.

Behind her, Chen Qing’er yawned softly. “Mother… is Brother still practicing?”

Lin Wanrou nodded. “Yes.”

Chen Qing’er walked closer and looked outside. “Brother will definitely become a great swordsman,” she said confidently.

Lin Wanrou smiled faintly, but her heart felt heavy. The outside world was not as beautiful as a child imagined. However, she did not want to extinguish her son’s hope.

In the yard, Chen Yu stopped his training. His breathing was slightly uneven. He looked at his sword and remembered his father’s words.

“Three days… the selection will be held. I must train even longer.”

Chen Yu practiced swordsmanship throughout the night. Hoping that training longer would increase his chances of passing the selection. The moon above silently witnessed his struggle.