In the early fifth century, China gets split into 16 smaller kingdoms; a powerful Xiongnu warlord is eager to control Dun Huang; Wu Zetian becomes the first woman ever to take the dragon throne.

The Han Empire control access to the ancient Chinese desert oasis of Dun Huang, but the mighty nomadic Xiongnu tribes pose a threat. The cunning Han general Ban Chao must use all his wisdom and experience to secure Dun Huang.