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

"Uncle Xi Weide," the Little Devil shouted out.

At the very front of the troops, a stalwart man's eyes reddened, and his lips quivered as he saw Li Duhong. "Hey, Little Devil!" he said excitedly.

For such a sturdy fellow to rub the head of the kid and plop down bean-sized tears, all of the soldiers around were wiping their eyes, their spirits filled with grief. Xi Weide caught Li Duhong's gaze with a look full of indulgence. He was the confidante of the clan elder and had always dearly loved Li Duhong since he was little; in Li Duhong's heart, Xi Weide was like a family member.

Having put on such a display of strength for the last few days, Li Duhong couldn't help but wail, "Wuwu, Elder Kitt has died, and we haven't seen big brother Colin." The more he reflected, the more aggrieved the little guy seemed, sobbing in spasms. Previously, everyone had anticipated the difficulties of the migration, but it now seemed crueler than they had thought.

The Thoughts of Xi Weide