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

Miao Xuan's pupils contracted, and his face went a little pallid. He didn't flinch because of that move, though, but unexpectedly came forward a step and respectfully said, "You must be the 89th on the Black-Line Star Listing, my good man. Mr. Mo Ta? If Miao Xuan isn't mistaken in what he saw, that is the Golden Word Shackle, correct?"

Once he said that, the card artisans looking at Chen Mu shifted their gazes. Those who joined the first 100 names on the Black-Line Star Listing were the top-named aces in the Heavenly Drum Village District! For such an ace to be in Zargan, he would have to be the most top-notch person there.

Quite a few of them were no longer surprised that card artisan was so impressive! Those who were more familiar with the Black-Line Star Listing had already started to review material about Mo Ta in their heads. By the time they realized who Mo Ta was, they felt still more stricken. Mo Ta sure wasn't such good stuff!

Who is that Ugly Man?