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

"Right." Chen Mu nodded, not wasting any words.

Yuan Linghai felt his heart skip. There was some commotion among the onlookers, many of whom involuntarily sucked in a breath of cold air. Those who didn't understand were asking around about what the Golden Word Shackle was.

"What is your relationship to the esteemed Mo Ta?" Yuan Linghai asked coolly, having resumed his calm. From his point of view, the greatest possibility was that the ugly man had some sort of close relationship with Mo Ta. Teacher and disciple? Maybe father and son?

With Mo Ta listed as No. 89 on the Black-Line Star Listing, of course Yuan Linghai had to remain cautious. To provoke any of the guys on the Black-Line Star Listing would result in something worse than death. While he maintained his calm expression, he was inwardly shuddering. A vicious hothead like Yuan Linghai would only be afraid of someone still more vicious, and those on the listing doubtlessly fit the bill.

Who is He?