The Destroyer was a shadow manifestation in the shape of a cultivator and hence it was also called a 'Shadow Cultivator'.
Ji Yuan had spotted the Destroyer from far away.
His divine sense was useless as he was not able to sense it until it was near to him so he had to rely purely on his good eyesight.
He was quite astonished that it would move so fast without even displaying any of its profound animus.
When Ji Yuan had suddenly emerged and attacked with his divine sword, the Destroyer was surprised as well for Ji Yuan was simply approaching too fast and he had concealed his divine sword until the very last minute so that he would not display any of his profound animus.
The Destroyed raised its sword when Ji Yuan had suddenly attacked but was forced to take 7 steps backward.
Ji Yuan was not surprised that he had not hit his target and he was preparing for his next attack, "Awww, I didn't score a hit…"