Genjyo Sanzo, a human elder who has been tasked with stopping a mystical illness that is causing Youkai to become insane, gathers his team of warrior Youkai. Despite their own vulnerability to the disease, they embark on a quest westward to eradicate madness from the land. To ensure the loyalty and worthiness of Cho Hakkai, Son Goku, and Sha Gojyo, Genjyo conducts trials. Ultimately, the team's journey is successful in eliminating the plague.
Saiyuuki was published in English as Saiyuki by Tokyopop from March 2, 2004 to July 12, 2005. It has also been published in Spanish, German and Polish.