Fang Xiang

This is both a work of science fiction and an exploration of the meaning of life, love, literature and art. Brainpower is no longer the main ingredient for being human in this far distant future world.  Spirituality, physical balance, and diligence all come together as integrity for Chen Mu, the Card Apprentice.  The cards which Chen Mu masters in his own scrappy way, distill all the powers of the cosmos –  human and nonhuman –  into something that is not a book, not technology, and neither art nor magic, but is these and more.  Learn about these strange cards, which can embody everything you might imagine for the future of technology, but also a future beyond technology which promotes the best, and sometimes the worst, from mankind’s past.

The Card Apprentice

Zuo Tianlin gave Wu Tuan a slap in the face, instantly leaving five bright red finger marks on his face.

"I really never thought that my own kind could be so worthless." Zuo Tianlin sneered, "We've talked about this over and over. Obvious matters need to be dealt with using obvious methods."

Although Wu Tuan was listening respectfully with is head bowed, he didn't look very convinced.

Zuo Tianlin took a look at Wu Tuan, and said very carefully, "Do you think I'm grieving over a card artisan? Wrong! I'm angry about your vindictiveness, your narrow mindedness, and that you will never amount to anything. You fall very short of Tingyi."

Wu Tuan calmly squeezed out through his gritted teeth, "Of course. He is named for your kind."

Zuo Tianlin flicked his eyes, and lifted his hand to give Wu Tuan another slap. But seeing Wu Tuan sticking up his neck in that stubborn way stung his heart, and he let his hand fall.

The Investigation