Houshin Engi by Ryo Fujisaki

Adapted from a Chinese novel is this elaborate tale of good versus evil. Believe it or not, some of the manga follows the original story of Houshin Engi frighteningly close. Yes, Dakki actually does come up with those freakish methods of torture. Probably more scary to think about is the fact that despite all the characters in the manga, it isn't -half- as many as in the original story.

It is 11 B.C. during the rule of the Yin Dynasty. A beautiful and powerful sorceress by name of Sou Dakki has charmed her way into power by captivating the heart of the emperor, Chuu-ou. Only chosen few know Dakki to be a youkai sennin, a powerful demon who's true shape is that of a nine-tailed fox. Her indulgence in luxury at the expense of the people of the land has drawn the attention of Genshitenson-sama, high sennin of Mount Konron in the spirit realm. Genshitenson-sama charges his disciple Taikoubou with what is dubbed the Houshin Project.

The 'rabbit-eared' doushi's mission: to find and seal the 365 sennin on the list given him. Armed with the wind-elemental paopei the Dashinben and given his own reijyuu (riding beast) Suupuuxiang, Taikoubou sets out to make the human world a better place.

...unfortunately although his tactical mind is brilliant, it wasn't his best idea to 'aim for the head' in this case when Taikoubou first decides to tackle the head vixen Dakki herself!

Quickly realizing his shortcomings, Taikoubou finds no real easy way to get through this, and so slowly but surely begins to build up his forces by finding allies of his own. However Dakki's allies are a force to be reckoned with themselves, and the chaotic clash between sennins and humans erupt.

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Ko-seruteru no Ryuujutsushi by Ayuma Isurugi

Welcome to the land of Cohseltel, where beings of fantasy and myth reside, sheltered from the outside world. Only eight humans live amongst the people and creatures of this land, and they have earned the title of 'Ryuujutsushi,' dragon mages. Their powers represent the various elements; that of fire, wind, water, earth, nature, light and darkness. Seven elements to seven mages. Then who is the eighth?

The youngest of the mages prefers his title of dragon mage rather than babysitter, although truthfully, the latter is more his task. In Maciel's charge are seven dragon children, all of whom he loves and cares for as his own. Together they learn how to use their powers singularly or in cooperation with each other. Maciel himself is a skilled mage despite his youth, and as all dragon mages, can work with the powers of the elemental dragons, as well as merge with the children to open up a greater level of their powers, but at the cost of the mage's strength.

Day to day life in Cohseltel is usually peaceful, but not without some conflict. And then there's the kids to worry about, as cute as they can be, they can get into trouble. Lessons to be learned, and mysteries to be revealed, life is never dull for Maciel and his dragonlings.

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