Song Yuanchao gave a brief explanation. It was actually quite simple: the trick lay in finesse and a gentle touch. "You have to pull it out with a light, steady movement," he said. "If you try to yank it with brute force, no matter how much strength you use, it won't budge."
Nie Zhao took the Phoenix Saber, regulated his breathing, and gave a light tug. Sure enough, the blade slid right out. It was a massive irony—just moments ago, he had been convinced his son was some sort of child prodigy. It turned out the blade had come out easily only because the little one’s grip was so weak.
After a long silence, he asked Song Yuanchao, "What is the principle behind this?"
Chapter 425