When the green-clothed Young Incense Master laid down the challenge, everyone on both sides turned their gaze towards Sun Niuzi.
The surroundings were silent, the only sound coming from the flames licking the kettle.
Sun Niuzi watched for a moment and seemed to have steeled himself. Tense and anxious earlier, he now appeared resigned to his fate, looking even more composed than before.
He waited a long time without speaking. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea had passed, he suddenly looked at the green-clothed Young Incense Master and said, "The water won't boil. It's because your fire is no good. I'm still waiting for tea; let me help you blow on it..."
With that, he actually stuck his head out toward the stove with its rising flames, puffed his cheeks, and began to blow.
At first, his blowing only made the flames flicker slightly, without any real effect.
