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

Butchie went back to Dongxing Township, only being able to feel truly relaxed at Sister Mei's. Her spirits had taken a hit during the recent battle, and she needed to relax and recuperate for a while. A person's nerves would be stretched like a bowstring after being in a high state of agitation for such a long time. If she weren't able to relax from time to time, the bowstring would snap.

Ace card artisans especially needed that kind of calibration. The difference between aces and lower-level card artisans was that the aces would deliberately calibrate themselves. Their resolve was more tenacious.

So, when Hugo recommended Butchie rest for a while, she accepted it on the spot.

Seeing the apron, and Sister Mei's utterly matronly appearance, Butchie felt a nameless warmth in her heart. The smile returned to her face.

The Letter “C”