Li Yi is the Qin dark guard assigned to monitor Zhou Wenqing. He disguises himself as a simple woodcutter named Li Yi. However, his strong build, the calluses on his right hand (consistent with weapon use), and his overly respectful manner expose his true identity. He rescues Zhou from the wilderness after finding him barely alive. He tends to Zhou's wounds and writes secret reports to the King of Qin. He is impressed by Zhou's knowledge of allicin and reports it immediately. He is loyal to the King of Qin but develops a caring attitude toward Zhou, often worrying about his health and chasing him when he tries to escape. He is skilled in martial arts, able to break a window latch silently and track Zhou unnoticed. He tries to coax Zhou into revealing the salt production method but without success, fearing the master's safety.
