Comparing the speed of flying techniques is the most direct way to judge a cultivator's skill.
A cultivator with a high realm, deep power, and strong Dao energy is sure to fly faster than other worthless rabble. Not only do they take a head with a single sword during a chase, but they can even overtake and reach the destination before their opponent. Even when the opponent spits out blood essence to escape, they are already ahead, setting a trap waiting for you to walk into disaster.
So when rogue cultivators venture out into the wild, they must be very cautious. If you see the three major sects from afar, you should run. If you are reckless and don't know when to quit, those Xuanmen old monsters will catch up to you, and with a few punches and kicks, you'll be subdued, your harvest of ten days and half a month stripped clean instantly, all under the guise of 'robbery, fight me one-on-one if you dare.'