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

"Has the Fifth Unit prepared?" Elder Bafu asked in a cold voice. There was nothing of his normal jolliness in his face this time.

"We are ready!" Colin responded loudly.

The Fifth Unit was strong! That was Chen Mu's conclusion upon inspecting them. There were 200 soldiers carrying the Blue Moon Gun to protect them, as well as eight of the small-scale cluster cannons. It must be known that there were 800 of the Blue Moon Guns altogether, and only 40 of the small-scale cluster cannons. But when he saw the unit assembled, he finally understood why the village had put such importance on it. Nearly the entire unit was composed of children and youth. And it numbered well over 1,000 people, with upwards to 3,000!