Deep in the heart of Maiduo Mountain lies a mysterious village, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, where ancient trees remain evergreen. For centuries, the people living here have believed that trees are the guardians of humanity, and their worship of ancient trees surpasses all else. Thus, when a baby is born, whether a boy or a girl, the father must first plant a tree to pray for the child's blessing and longevity. In this way, the tree grows alongside the child, becoming their life tree, safeguarding them throughout their life.
On the third day after Miao Jialuo was born, his father took a hoe and planted a tree on their family’s plot of land—a kapok tree. This tree, known for its high water content among all trees, has a tall crown, dense leaves, and remains green throughout the year. Its hard wood enhances its fire resistance, and its exceptional water content makes it impervious to ordinary forest fires. Thus, it became an outstanding species for fire prevention.
A year before Miao Jialuo’s birth, a fire had ravaged the village, spreading fiercely and destroying several homes. His own house was affected, with a room burned down and two cows lost. His father planted the "fireproof" kapok tree specifically for him, hoping it would protect his child from disaster and bring good fortune.
The father told the swaddled Miao Jialuo, "This tree never loses its leaves, is solid without hollow spaces, and lives long. You will also live long, just like the tree." He added, "Humans are like trees. No matter how long we live, we eventually return to the tree. People nurture trees, and trees also nurture people. Even if people die, their life does not vanish, nor do they leave their loved ones."
As Miao Jialuo grew day by day, the kapok tree also grew taller. By the time he reached twenty-one, he chose a career in firefighting, donning olive-green protective gear and becoming a firefighter. His daily routine involved balancing heat and cold, fire and water. Accompanied by red fire trucks, the blaring sirens, and the admiring gazes of passersby, he wielded a silver water gun fearlessly, battling the inferno in smoky fire scenes, climbing and descending to fight the flames, and saving countless lives.
Every firefighter entering a blaze is surrounded by thick smoke, with danger hidden in the haze. Those who can remain calm are fine, while those who are troubled will likely avoid it. Protected by his kapok tree, Miao Jialuo was as brave as a fire god by nature. His only goal was to enter the fire and save lives. After years of distinguished service, Miao Jialuo became a fire captain, becoming one of the most beloved figures of peacetime.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
One day, the alarm suddenly rang out. An explosion at a warehouse next to a distillery caused a fire that spread rapidly, with thick yellow smoke, blazing flames, and explosions. The situation was severe. Miao Jialuo and his teammates quickly suited up, slid down ladders, and hopped into the fire rescue truck, racing to the scene of the fire.
The most terrifying part of the fire scene is the thick smoke, where no one knows where the danger lies. Miao Jialuo led the charge, guiding his teammates into the inferno. After hours of life-and-death struggle, the fire was finally brought under control. Unfortunately, Miao Jialuo could not make it out.
After the fire was extinguished, his teammates found him holding another firefighter tightly. His back was blackened, and the steel wires in his gloves were burned. At thirty-one, his vibrant life came to an end.
With tears in their eyes, his comrades bid farewell to their fallen friend. According to local customs, the ashes of the deceased must be merged with their life tree. The villagers of Miao Jialuo's hometown spontaneously formed a procession to welcome the hero’s soul back home.
----------------------------------------
In the quiet village, amidst the cold and bleak rain, the kapok tree that Miao Jialuo had planted had changed its growth posture. Its body leaned forward, like a stooped figure, raising its arms high, stretching towards the sky.
The kapok tree grew in a shaded area and rarely saw sunlight, yet it strived upward, searching for a sliver of light. However, one day, a giant boulder rolled down, blocking the tree’s path and crushing it. Yet, the tree did not give up but embraced the boulder, continuing to strive upwards and eventually growing into a unique form.
Whether by fate or coincidence, there are many things in this world that are hard to understand. The kapok tree in the village became a symbol of a certain "god," taking on a religious significance. It was adorned with red cloth strips, and villagers would instinctively worship it, seeking its protection. For Miao Jialuo’s father, who planted this tree, it symbolized his son's life and ultimately became a balm for his grief over the loss of his child. Gradually, he emerged from his deep sorrow, and his eyes regained their light.
Of course, there were times when he felt overwhelmed. At those times, he would come to the kapok tree and look at it. The old man grew older, like an ancient tree, walking through the forest, making it hard to tell if he was a tree or a person.
The kapok tree, born in the shade and growing in stubborn stone, yet still yearning for life, may represent another form of existence.