Li Si (simplified: 李四, traditional: 李四, pinyin: Lǐ Sì, jyutping: lei5 sei3) was one of the Heroes Island envoys who delivered the Reward Good Punish Evil tokens. He became sworn brothers with Shi Potian and Zhang San, and was likely a disciple of Island Lord Mu.
Biography
Delivering the Reward Good Punish Evil tokens
Li Si, along with Zhang San, served as envoys from Heroes Island, delivering Reward Good Punish Evil tokens to various martial arts schools and organizations throughout the jianghu every ten years. These tokens required recipients to come to Heroes Island, and those who refused would have their entire organization eliminated.
Encounter with Shi Potian
When Li Si and Zhang San arrived at the Changle Guild to deliver a token, they encountered Shi Potian, who had been mistaken for Shi Zhongyu. Through their interactions, Li Si and Zhang San recognized that Shi Potian was not Shi Zhongyu, as they could tell from his martial arts abilities that he was different from the person they had met before.
Becoming sworn brothers
Despite initially being enemies, Li Si and Zhang San were impressed by Shi Potian’s honest and virtuous nature. They became sworn brothers with him, forming a bond that transcended their official duties.
Journey to Heroes Island
Li Si and Zhang San accompanied Shi Potian and other martial artists to Heroes Island, where they participated in the study of the martial arts secrets inscribed on the island.
Personality and characteristics
Duty and honor
Li Si was dedicated to his duty as an envoy of Heroes Island, faithfully delivering tokens and carrying out the island’s mission. However, he was also capable of recognizing virtue and forming genuine friendships.
Recognition of virtue
Li Si was able to see through the confusion surrounding Shi Potian’s identity and recognize his true character. His willingness to become sworn brothers with Shi Potian demonstrated his ability to judge people based on their actions rather than their reputation.
Martial arts abilities
Li Si was a highly skilled martial artist, likely trained by Island Lord Mu. His abilities were sufficient to serve as an envoy of Heroes Island, and he was capable of recognizing differences in martial arts techniques, which allowed him to identify that Shi Potian was not Shi Zhongyu.
Behind the scenes
Li Si represents the theme of duty and friendship in Ode to Gallantry. His character demonstrates that even those who serve a mysterious and feared organization can recognize virtue and form genuine bonds with others.
The character’s name, “Li Si” (李四), is a common Chinese name meaning “Li Four,” suggesting an ordinary person who serves an extraordinary purpose. Together with Zhang San, their names form the common Chinese phrase “Zhang San Li Si” (张三李四), meaning “anyone” or “everyone,” which ironically contrasts with their unique and important roles as envoys of Heroes Island.