Six days.
Shuan used them well.
Day One: Mapped escape routes. Three possibilities. Chose best.
Day Two: Stole pills from medical storage. Healing, stamina, emergency breakthrough.
Day Three: Copied forbidden technique scroll from Elder Feng's private collection. Shattering Step - short-range teleportation. Cost: severe meridian damage.
Elder Feng "didn't notice" the copy.
Day Four: Secured supplies. Travel rations. Silver coins. Fake identity tokens.
Day Five: Studied patrol schedules. Guard rotations. Weak points in sect defenses.
Day Six: Waited.
That evening, Elder Feng visited his room.
"Tomorrow's your deadline."
"I know."
"They'll come for you at dawn. Elder Yue, three Earth Realm enforcers, soul binding formation master."
"How long to complete binding?"
"Thirty minutes once formation activates."
"So I have zero chance if they catch me."
"Correct." Paused. "There's mission tomorrow. Outer disciples escorting merchant caravan. You're assigned as security."
"Convenient timing."
"Very." Handed him small jade slip. "Route information. Ambush points. Places to disappear."
Took it. "Why help this much?"
Elder Feng looked at him. Really looked.
"Because I created you to be interesting. And watching sect turn you into obedient weapon is... waste." Smiled. "Also curious to see if you survive."
"Practical curiosity."
"Best kind."
Turned to leave. Stopped at door.
"Lin Shuan."
"Yes?"
"Don't die stupidly. If you're going to die, make it worthwhile."
"Always do."
Left.
Shuan sat alone. Last night in this room.
Last night as sect disciple.
Tomorrow, either escaped criminal or soul-bound weapon.
No third option.
Lay down. Closed eyes.
Didn't sleep.
Just waited.