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

"How about a little chen-stone? Hurry up, hurry up, we still need the luminous leaf, and everything has to be ready!"

"The floor has to be resurfaced again. Oh, there's still some zebra-stone in the storeroom. Go get some."

From some distance away from the house, the elders could hear the sound of elder Bafu's full voice shouting. People were coming and going in an endless stream, carrying all kinds of stuff, most of which were raw materials.

"This will be Mr. Chen's temporary residence. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to bring it up. The materials you stipulated have already been placed in your room, and if there is something you still require, please don't hesitate to speak up." The clan elder was smiling as he accompanied Chen Mu on the walk to the room. Wei-ah was behind them, showing no expression at all.

How Many Points, Teacher?