The film tells the legendary story of Xuanzang, a great monk in the Tang Dynasty, who traveled to India to seek Buddhist scriptures for 17 years despite all the hardships and dangers. During the prosperous Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, the young Master Xuanzang (played by Huang Xiaoming) risked his life to sneak out of the country in order to seek the true meaning of Buddhism. He encountered numerous difficulties and obstacles along the way, including natural disasters and man-made disasters, but he also deeply understood the sufferings of the people. Surrounded by soldiers, betrayed by his disciples, buried in the sea of sand, and cut off from water and food, Master Xuanzang sought the Dharma with all his heart and finally arrived in India. He promoted good thoughts and practiced Buddhism in India. When he returned home after successfully debating at the Unobstructed Assembly, he was already an old man in his fifties.