Quan Chi was an an Oni Deamon from the Netherealm who was transformed when he learned sorcery. During his time there he came upon the fallen Elder God Shinnok who was being tormented by the then-ruler of the Netheraelm Lucifer.Quan Chi agreed to help Shinnok Overthrow his tormentor in exchange for power and a place at his side. After defeating Lucifer Shinnok Kept his word granting him incredible power and made him Arch-sorcerer of the Neatherealm.

When The Sorcerer Shang Tsung Consumed the soul of the great Kung Lao he Learned of the location of Shinnok's lost amulet. Tung would later trade this information with Qaun Chi for his assistence in reviving Sindel in Earthrealm so that Shao Kahn would be able to invade the realm. The invasion failed but it allowed Quan Chi to make his move.

Qaun Chi made a deal with the Lin Kuei that he would destroy the Shirai Ryu (there rival clan) in return for the assitence of one of there warriors. He had the Original Sub-Zero retrieve the amulet. Once Quan Chi clamed the amulet he explained its origins and left to give it to Shinnok. However he gave Shinnok a fake and kept the real one for himself. Later Rayden would order Sub-Zreo to reclaim the amulet from Quan Chi. Sub-Zero found him and defeated him with the help of a demon named Sereena. Quan Chi would help Shinnok prepare for his upcoming invasion while heading the cult known as the Brotherhood of shadow.

When Shinnok assult began they believed that they needed a powerful warrior to defeat Sub-Zero (younger brother of the Original Sub-Zero) Quan Chi informed the ninja specter Scorpion that Sub-Zero killed his family and clan. Scorpion defeated Sub-Zero and was about to kill him when Quan Chi appeared and told him that he was the actual murderer. The sorcerer went to send him to the Netherealm but Scorpoin grabed him and they both ended up in the Netherealm.

While in the Netherealm Quan Chi was tortured by Scorpoin until the oni Moloch and Drahmin. Quan Chi promised them that he would take them with him when he eventualy made his escape from the realm. In return they would protect him from Scorpion. Opon discovering the portal tha lead to Outworldhe left without them leaving them determind to kill him. The portal led him to the Dragon King's tomb. After reading the writings on the sarcophagus he discovered the Dragon King's undeafeatable army and realized taht it could be revived. He left to find the indiviual who could help him achive this goal. However, he had not gotten rid of Scorpionand they fought outside of Shang Tsung's palace gaining his atention.Quan Chi dispached of Scorpion immpessing Tsung. He discribed his plan to Shang Tsung. He would Open a soulnado(a portal made of souls)in return for Shang Tsung helping him revive the Dragon king's army. From there they woul attempt to take over the realms.But before they could do this they had to kill the only two warriors that culd oppose them. They started with the current ruler Outworld Shao kahn.Shang Tsung took him before Kahn and the two Sorcerers pledged there loyalty to Shao Kahn. But this was a false show they spung there attack and killed kahn. They next traveled the earthealm to confront Earth's Mightest Warrior and champion of Mortal kombat Liu Kang. Shang Tsung disgiused himself as Kung lao and snuck up on him and They fought. Liu Kang Quickly gained the upper hand but at this time Quan Chi attacked him from behind giving Tsung the time he needed to break his neck and consume his soul.