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

Ten dark shadows quietly stole into the ravine.

They had never seen such messed up defenses. The card artisans from Dark Fog looked at each other, each seeing the hint of contempt in the others' eyes. With such outstanding geographic conditions, they still hadn't perceived the slightest bit of defensive pressure. No wonder they looked down on them.

They were a little confused about why those people had actually wanted Dark Fog to go out. Wasn't that a waste of resources? But even though their expressions showed contempt, they still moved in complete silence. Plus, they had gotten rigorous training on their special jet stream cards, which made them look like a light bit of smoke fluttering by. The dark was giving them their best cover. If they hadn't happened to lift their heads, it would be difficult to see those ten shadows swiftly wandering along the cliffs.

One Tough Woman