Rita's strike while impressive bore no lethal will. This whole duel was after all not aimed at ending the life of the other party.
She and Melinda were in the same level in terms of Cultivation strength. The point where they deferred lay in their styles and wits.
All that being said, if Rita really expected to be able to land that strike on Melinda when they were both equal in terms of reflexes then she was a fool. Cocky, Rita might be but Foolish she was not.
Sure enough, as Melinda watched Rita's sword pointed at her, her stance never changed. Instead she leaned back and swung her sword at Rita's.
*Clang*
Their swords met with a ringing metallic sound. In that crossed form, Rita landed and made a swipe at Melinda's leg.
The swipe was easily avoided with Melinda raising said leg, however the moment her leg was raised, she saw through it all.