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

"Tang Hanpei! How dare you!" Pavchek bellowed sternly as he stood up with a rush. The murder of a director under the eyes of all present had never happened in the history of the Federation Comprehensive Academy. Moreover, the murderer was actually his favorite pupil. How could he not be shocked and angry?

"Sir!" Tang Hanpei bowed to Pavchek slightly.

The rest of the directors had faces full of rage. One director could no longer suppress himself and stood up. "Men, take Tang Hanpei away!"

Yet, outside the meeting room, there was no stirring.

Tang Hanpei took his seat in a leisurely manner without even a look at that director. A gentle, unconcerned smile hung upon his face throughout. But it was just that smile, gentle as the spring breeze, that made every director feel a sense of foreboding rise in their hearts.

Tang Hanpei Strikes