Quan Yi was one of the followers of the Qiang general, Yao Xiang, who surrendered from Later Zhao to the Jin dynasty.
Following the disastrous Battle of Fei River in 383, Quan Yi attempted to stop Murong Chui from marching to north, but was outmaneuvered.
As Western Yan troops encircled the capital Chang'an, Quan Yi fled to Yao Chang, now ruler of Later Qin, who he served until his death.
Quan Yi, a native of Lueyang County, was given the responsibility of being Yao Xiang's Army Advisor together with Xue Zan (薛贊).
Although the group was intercepted by Former Qin forces along the way, Yao Xiang managed to reach Jin territory and submit to the court.
The court made Yao Xiang a general and assigned him to Qiao (譙; present-day Bozhou, Anhui).
In his second assassination attempt, Yin Hao's general Wei Jing (魏憬) led an ill-fated ambush against Yao Xiang and was killed.
Quan Yi joined Xiang's brother, Yao Chang in surrendering to Qin and serving their new state.
[5] After Fu Jian ascended the throne, Quan Yi was appointed Assistant Gentleman of the Yellow Gates.
[6] During a visit to Longmen Five Shrines (龍門五畤) to carry out sacrifices, Fu Jian began to admire the scenery, and told his ministers, "These mountains and rivers are beautiful.
Quan Yi replied, "Wu Qi once said that there is no danger in virtue, and I sincerely hope that Your Majesty will follow the examples of Yao and Shun in cherishing it.
After the Yan emperor, Murong Wei, surrendered, Huan continued fighting but was killed in the end.
Quan Yi argued that although Jin was weak, the alliance of Huan Chong and Xie An was strong, and their officials were still loyal to their dynasty.
Quan Yi also submitted a petition to remonstrate Fu Jian, but his suggestions fell on deaf ears.
Although Fu Jian managed to return to the north, the effects of the battle were beginning to show, as the Murong clan began making their moves to break away from Qin.
Chui agreed, and at Mianchi, he tricked Fu Jian into letting him move to the northern borders, supposedly to secure the area from revolts.
[11] Despite Fu Jian's rejection, Quan Yi was determined to stop Murong Chui from reaching the north.
Quan Yi, without Fu Jian's knowledge, sent warriors to intercept Murong Chui at the bridge across the Yellow River south of Kongcang (空倉).
Murong Chui suspected something was off, so instead of taking the bridge, he created rafts in order for he and his men to cross the river.
Meanwhile, he had one of his officers, Cheng Tong (程同) to wear his clothes and ride his horse while leading his boy attendants to use the bridge.
Quan Yi also fled the city with many others including Xue Zan, Huangfu Fu (皇甫覆), Zhao Qian (趙遷) and Duan Keng (段鏗) over to Later Qin.