@Pokari the fact that you are concerned about the reality of feudalist China is concerning. Ancient feudalist nations exploited their citizens and are still doing the same as communist and socialist nations.
@Pokari
Exactly. They kept trying and succeded through perseverance and diligence not by trading their life-force for power. That's the whole point and the difference between the two elders.
One results in Wang Wu being much more powerful even though she is only at Jindan and becoming an elder...