Long ago, there was a kind and strong young man who worked tirelessly in the fields and collected firewood in the forest faster than anyone else, yet he remained poor and hungry. Despite his strength and hard work, life seemed unfair, and he could not understand why he suffered so much while others prospered. Determined to find answers, he decided to journey to the heavens to ask why hardworking people like him had to endure hardship. He traveled from sunrise to sunset, crossing forests and hills, before stopping to rest at a house at the foot of a mountain. The kind hostess asked him why he was on such a long journey, and he spoke honestly. He explained that he wanted to understand why strong and diligent people like himself still lived in poverty and struggle.
The hostess immediately asked for his help. Her five-year-old daughter had not spoken a single word, and she feared the child might be mute. The young man agreed to help, promising to ask the heavens about her condition. The next morning, he set off before dawn. Soon, he reached a large, fast-flowing river with no way to cross. Suddenly, a massive black thuồng luồng, a mythical serpent-like creature, rose from the water and offered to carry him across. Recognizing that the young man was on a journey to the heavens, the creature asked for a favor. For eighteen years, it had ferried people across the river, yet it had never transformed into a dragon. The young man promised to ask why.
He continued traveling tirelessly, crossing dense forests and rugged mountains day and night. One afternoon, completely exhausted, he rested under a large tree and fell asleep. Suddenly, a kindly old man appeared, his white hair like clouds and his skin glowing pink as the morning sun. He gently woke the young man and asked about his journey. The young man explained his mission, and the old man said he could help but could only answer two questions.
The young man first asked about the mute child at the foot of the mountain. The old man smiled and instructed him that the mother must dig up the gold jar on the right and the silver jar on the left, near her house. Next, he asked about the Jiaolong’s long-delayed transformation. The old man explained that the creature needed to release the pearl from its mouth in order to fly and become a dragon. The young man bowed deeply in gratitude. He tried to ask about his own fate, but the old man had vanished. Despite this, he was happy to have helped others.
Returning to the river, the Jiaolong appeared again. The young man delivered the old man’s message, and the creature, grateful, carried him safely across the river and gave him the pearl from its mouth. This magical gem could cure any illness and keep its holder healthy. The Jiaolong then transformed into a magnificent dragon and soared into the heavens.
When he arrived at the mother’s house, he watched as she followed his instructions. She dug up the gold and silver jars, and miraculously, her daughter called out, “Mother!” Overjoyed and grateful for his help, she gave him half of the treasure. From that day on, the young man became wealthy. He shared his riches with the poor in the village and used the magical pearl to heal the sick. Everyone admired, loved, and respected him for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness.