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

Xi Ping was leading in front while Chen Mu looked around curiously. During the time he left, Eastern Wei had changed a lot; many places were newly built.

A huge alloy door was opened, and there was a tunnel that led underneath.

"Underground?" Chen Mu asked curiously.

Xi Ping laughed and said with empathy, "Yup, this is an underground storeroom, used to store some precious and rare materials. Besides me, only Alfonso knows this place. Last time... didn't boss complain about insufficient material? Our Eastern Wei still has some energy. I have been collecting this energy for the past few years. I thought of keeping this forever… Now, it has finally come in handy. This makes me so happy!"

Chen Mu didn't know what to say, but he felt warm and touched. After walking for around 10 minutes, the depth of this facility shocked Chen Mu.

"We're here." Xi Ping keyed in the password into the lock in front of the warehouse door.

Prelude