Tang Sanzang serves as the central spiritual figure guiding a pilgrimage westward to retrieve sacred scriptures, a journey seeking enlightenment for himself and his disciples. He liberates the stone monkey Alakazam (Sun Wukong) from mountain imprisonment, recruiting him as the pilgrimage's protector. To ensure Alakazam's compliance, Tang Sanzang secures a magical headband upon the monkey, capable of inflicting pain when tightened. During their travels, the group encounters and recruits the pig-like Sir Quigley Broken Bottom (Zhu Bajie) and the ogre-like Max Lulipopo (Sha Wujing). Acting as the group's moral compass, Tang Sanzang intervenes with calm guidance to restore harmony during conflicts among the disciples, often incited by antagonists like the imp Shoryu. His journey attracts supernatural threats, as demons relentlessly pursue him, coveting his flesh for its rumored immortality-granting properties. A key adversary, King Gruesome (Bull Demon King), plots to cook Tang Sanzang to extend his lifespan. Tang Sanzang's character arc culminates in successfully reaching the pilgrimage's destination. Following the defeat of King Gruesome, he receives the sacred sutras from Buddha (King Amo), achieving the mission's spiritual objective. The magical headband restraining Alakazam is removed, symbolizing the monkey's redemption.