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

The long-distance shuttle cars were already waiting in the transit tunnel. Everyone knew how precious time was and how they would certainly suffocate if something were to happen during that critical juncture.

Those under Chen Mu were in high spirits; to be able to leave a place where you could die at any moment had already caused them to rejoice. And, good lord—to be able to enter the flourishing districts was something countless people dreamed of, and the chance had actually been dropped right onto their heads.

None of them had ever imagined they would be able to get a pass to enter the flourishing districts one day. It was out of reach given their meager talents. They were overjoyed to have it now dangled in front of them.

Where They Went