Okay, I am sorry for double posting but, I don't feel what I am about to say deserves it's own topic or even sure if it's been posted before. If so, I'd imagine someone can correct me. I had just finished Shenmue 2 again for lord knows I lost count of how many times I've beaten this game. But, I had an aha theory that crossed my mind when in the cave with Shenhua and I would like people to hear me out and chime in.
So, Shenhua had said in the cave that the stonemason that is her father is really her stepfather. And, in the flashback at her house when they were talking about the Shenhua tree. We in that flashback see her real mother and father. They appeared to be dressed like royalty. And, the house in the back differed from Shenhua's house we are currently at. Now, it isn't stated but by deduction of what we are seeing her mother and father are the royalty that likely ordered the creation of the Dragon And Phoenix mirror. And, her stepfather was the one tasked to create them. And, from what we do know about the mirrors it is leading to some sort of treasure. So, obviously, the stepfather is more in the know about what the mirrors mean and how he was able to tell his daughter Shenhua about destiny in the letter. Just like Yuanda Zhu tried to warn Iwao. The real mother and father had to know beforehand the destiny and the mirrors. That is not talked about but its not the point of what I am getting at.
The theory I crafted in my head is the leader of the Chiyoumen likely could have had a hand in the death of Shenhua real mother and father. And, the common theme here among all the major characters, Ryo, Lan Di, and Shenhua is the loss of their father, mother, or both. It's clear the Chiyoumen knew nothing about the deepness of the cave I'd imagine. So is it possible that if Iwao and Lan Di father trained in Gulin together would have fate brought them there? That is the real reason why Lan Di's dad was killed as they were trying to protect the mirrors from the Chiyoumen. I have only got this far because obviously, I am lacking some needed details. I haven't been able to connect Zhu to the stonemasons. And Zhu's connection to Iwao. And, how they all knew each other unless Zhu was the man they took tutelage under. It is stated he wrote the Wulinshu which is stated to list all the martial artists and their masters. So, we do have a connection of Zhu to Zhao. But, could he have done that if he was a big businessman in Hong Kong? It's just something to think about.