Chapter 40

He Ping didn't know that the piece of art he had taken out was of great significance. He had simply chosen the one that looked the most splendid, which had been treated the best during the initial plundering of treasures, and was even displayed on a special stand. He casually took it out to tease Trevor, but he didn't realize that this piece of art, known as the "Brilliance of Eternal Night," was actually the heirloom of the Lance family.

Most of the other items were plundered, looted, or purchased by the Lance family, but the Brilliance of Eternal Night was different. It was a gift from the Emperor of Auckland to the first Duke of Lance when he was ennobled. The piece of art was made entirely of high-purity precious metals like gold and silver, adorned with high-purity gemstones, and was designed by court artists and crafted by imperial artisans. It was an invaluable treasure and a symbol of the Lance family's honor and legacy.

The significance of this piece of art to the Lance family was immense. It was akin to a golden pardon from the Emperor of Auckland, ensuring that as long as they didn't commit treason, no Emperor would severely punish the Lance family out of respect for this treasure. It had been passed down through generations, all the way to Trevor, and the family had no doubt that it would continue to be passed down with the family's lineage.

A few days ago, Trevor had planned to show the treasure vault to the messenger Daniel, who had come from the capital. While he intended to use the treasures to curry favor with Daniel, he also wanted to showcase the Lance family's glory and the Brilliance of Eternal Night. Trevor wasn't worried that Daniel would covet the treasure, knowing that a seasoned courtier would understand the significance of an imperial gift.

However, when the vault's door was opened, Trevor and Daniel were faced with an empty hall, devoid of any treasures. The loss of other valuables pained Trevor, but the disappearance of the Brilliance of Eternal Night sent his heart to the bottom. It was an imperial gift, and if this news reached the ears of those who were at odds with the Lance family and eventually the Emperor, the Lance family would be doomed!

After that day, Trevor strictly sealed the news, planning to search for the treasure after dealing with recent affairs. But he never expected that the piece of art would appear in He Ping's hands, and he would so brazenly take it out. This was a matter of life and death! Thinking of this, the internal injuries Trevor had suffered from the initial shock of the theft flared up again, and he spat out a mouthful of blood in front of everyone, his vision going black as he nearly fell off his horse. Fortunately, he managed to recover, thanks to the earlier incident.

"It's you!" Trevor said through gritted teeth, a hint of killing intent in his voice, which was unusual for a mere civil servant, showing how agitated he was.

"Yes, it's me!" He Ping, though a bit puzzled by Trevor's reaction, attributed it to a miser's greed. He had no intention of hiding or denying his actions and admitted them openly.

Zhao Zheng, standing nearby, was also startled when he saw the Brilliance of Eternal Night. He had seen this piece of art in his childhood and knew its significance to the Lance family. Seeing He Ping casually take it out and play with it made Trevor's heart ache, and Zhao Zheng couldn't help but laugh inwardly. As a child, he had also wanted to play with it but was severely reprimanded by Wolfgang, only managing to glance at it from a distance without touching it.

Trevor took a deep breath, trying to calm down. He coldly said to He Ping, "Mr. He Ping, return the Brilliance of Eternal Night to me. That is my only request. If you hand over the item, I will not pursue the other treasures that were with it. I will even do anything you ask of the Lance family. Is this request too much? But if you refuse, you will be the enemy of the Lance family, and I will make you regret it, no matter the cost!"

Threatening me? A cold smile appeared on He Ping's face. After his rebirth, what did he hate the most? Threats to his family. With his past experiences, his family had become his Achilles' heel, and anyone who touched them would die. After his family, it was himself. He Ping hated being threatened and would make anyone who did so wish they were dead. The Brilliance of Eternal Night, huh? It seems this piece of art is of great significance to the Lance family!

Seeing the dangerous smile on He Ping's face, Trevor felt a twinge of fear. He even regretted his harsh words, but at this point, there seemed to be no better option. Despite the growing sense of foreboding, Trevor did not back down, continuing to stare at He Ping and the Brilliance of Eternal Night with a murderous gaze.

At that moment, He Ping made a shocking move. He slowly extended his hand, holding the Brilliance of Eternal Night in one hand and suspending it in the air. Since He Ping was on horseback, the piece of art was nearly two meters above the ground, held only by his one hand. In other words, if He Ping let go, this imperial treasure would be destroyed.

Trevor's face turned green with fear. What was wrong with He Ping? How could he ignore his threats? The Lance family, though not the top-tier aristocracy in the Auckland Empire, was still a first-class family. If such a family went all out to take revenge, even someone with considerable background would be in deep trouble. Why wasn't He Ping concerned? What was his leverage?

Despite being shocked, Trevor still held onto a sliver of hope. If He Ping wasn't truly indifferent to the Lance family's retaliation, then his actions were just a bluff. He Ping wouldn't dare to let go. This was the only hope Trevor had to recover the Brilliance of Eternal Night. Therefore, Trevor was gambling, betting that He Ping wouldn't let go and would eventually return the treasure.

But who was He Ping? When Trevor threatened him, he had already made up his mind. Seeing everyone's attention on his actions, He Ping's smile grew wider. Under everyone's watchful eyes, he let go! In Trevor's horrified gaze, the Brilliance of Eternal Night fell heavily to the ground. The piece of art, which was only held together by its intricate structure, shattered upon impact, turning into a pile of broken gold and silver and scattered gemstones.

At that moment, all was silent!

[PS: First update of the day!]