"Gungun, I wanted you to accompany Hou Yi in subduing the qilin clan so you could offer him advice, not trade your Numinous Treasure for their allegiance." Not only was Hou Yi shocked, but Houtu also frowned as she spoke to Gungun.
"Uh... hahaha, I was just saying that. How could I really bear to return the Qilin Seal to that fellow Four-Unlike? Lady Ancestral Witch, you're far too easy to fool!" Gungun raised his head and laughed. As he spoke, he stuffed a Ginseng Fruit into his mouth and chewed heartily, saying happily, "Mmm, delicious! Thank you, Ancestral Witch."
Houtu's frown did not ease. She held out her hand and said to Gungun, "Give me the Qilin Seal."
"Huh?" Gungun stopped chewing.
"Give it to me," Houtu repeated.
"Oh." Gungun nodded blankly, then took an exquisite jade box out of his minor world. He opened it and handed Houtu the gleaming golden seal inside.
Houtu took the Qilin Seal, glanced at Hou Yi, then said to Gungun, "I'm pleased that you're willing to lend Hou Yi a hand. It'll do you good to get out and stretch your legs, too. However, the Qilin Seal is extremely precious. Trading it for the allegiance of the qilin clan as they are now isn't worth it!"
"But..." Gungun wanted to say more, but Houtu did not let him finish. Divine light flashed in her hand as she put away the Qilin Seal. "Enough. Say no more. I'll keep the Qilin Seal for you for now and return it once you and Hou Yi come back, lest you do something foolish."
"I'm not foolish," Gungun muttered.
Houtu did not respond. After a moment's thought, she asked him once more to be certain, "That magical treasure you said was destined for you, the Yin-Yang