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Chapter 2 - A Sign on the Tree

Morning light filtered softly through the ancient Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom. Po stood balanced on one foot, steady atop his staff, eyes closed in quiet focus.

Suddenly, a fiery symbol-the Celestial Phoenix-glowed brightly on the tree's bark.

Po's eyes snapped open. Shocked, he lost his balance and stumbled, nearly falling.

He caught himself and looked up again-heart racing-as the symbol pulsed once more, then slowly faded.

Po (blinking):

"Huh?"

Po stood frozen for a moment, caught between awe and confusion.

He took a steady breath, shook his head slightly, and muttered,

Po (to the tree):

"Is this... you trying to tell me something?"

No answer - only wind.

The symbol pulses again. Then it vanishes, as if never there.

Po (quietly):

"...Okay. Not spooky at all."

He turned to leave.

As he walked away, the mysterious phoenix symbol reappeared briefly on the tree before vanishing into the morning light.

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