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

Chen Mu didn't reply immediately, but prudently reminded him, "You need to clarify your requirements."

Bo Wen kept smiling lightly, "Mr. Chen Mu is a professional card maker, and anything you make will be outstanding overall, which will be easy to tell. I only have one requirement, which is that it must be three-star."

Chen Mu still didn't immediately agree to do it, as he thought about it for a moment. Then he slowly nodded, "OK, but I will need some time."

"No problem." Bo Wen was unexpectedly refreshing. "I've always been pretty patient." Then he showed Chen Mu some courtesy, "Then it's agreed. I'll just wait for the good news from Mr. Chen. Here's my communications card number. Please contact me when you finish."

Once Bo Wen had left, Chen Mu immediately started researching all sorts of materials about the 'weak water' pen set.

Mark Victor's Twisted Spinning Thorns