Indeed, they are. The four leaders of the Chiyoumen play the role of lieutenants to an all-ruling fifth member known simply as Tentei. We know nothing about this leader except his or her name (though it's more of a title), and although it's unconfirmed officially, many of us believe Lan Di was ordered to retrieve the mirrors by Tentei. This is something that isn't commonly known outside of hardcore communities like this, as it is never mentioned in the games.
Thanks alot for the info VGAce those where somethings that I wasn't sure about but that clears alot up for me I find it very interesting about the idea that this "big boss" of them all tentei sent Lan Di to get the mirror I would have thought he would have known about both mirrors so why not instruct Lan Di to get both the Pheonix and the Dragon mirror. Not criticsing the theory though its just i've never heard it before and wandered if you could expand on it for me VGAce?
It also makes me wander is Lan Di actually the most powerfull of the Lieutenants, Ryo is after him because he killed his father now could the fight between Lan Di and himself lead him onto the bigger picture so to speak and mean that some revelation during or after the fight may mean that he wants to track down the rest of the Chi yu men members? If this is so then it would be very possible that at the start of Shenmue 3 there could be a confrontation between Ryo and Lan Di in the cave, this is just another theory though.
when ryo turns his back lan di trys to pull a cheat shot from behind when ryu pulls off an ultimate move
I would have to disagree with you there MOE2FREAKY24, although it is a great idea I dont think that even if Lan Di turned out to be the final boss he would pull "a cheap shot" I dont think its in his character after all he did allow Iwao to "die like a warrior"