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

Neither Bogner nor Xi Ping said anything. A decision at that level was the prerogative of the boss. It would determine where the team went from then on. They were all watching Chen Mu with bated breath.

Tang Hanpei kept drinking his tea in a leisurely fashion, not at all flustered, even looking like someone not involved with the situation.

Chen Mu's head was lowered in careful consideration of what was to be gained and what was to be lost. After about five minutes, he finally lifted his head.

Everyone's eyes lit up. Even Tang Hanpei put down his teacup and fixed his gaze on Chen Mu, waiting for his response.

"I am very sorry, but we can't be directly involved in the fighting." Chen Mu's answer was curt.

Behind him, Bogner and Xi Ping breathed a sigh of relief, and Jiao Si finally relaxed his stiff spine.

Conditions That Can’t Be Refused