It's great to know this story's still being read! :-) I'm very glad to hear that you thought the glimpses of youkai customs and characteristics were interesting - it's always been one aspect of the Saiyuki world that I thought could do with more exploring...

hakkai is possessive here.
but he's still cool even when being so...

Oooh yes, Hakkai is *always* cool. Just ask Gojyo. ;-)