Breaking Arrows don't produce any sound before approaching their targets; only when they're close and reach top speed does the whistling begin, but by then, the reaction window is so short that it's barely worth mentioning.
Qi Refining Realm cultivators stand no chance against Breaking Arrows. True Qi Shields are simply ignored; the spiraling arrowhead burrows into flesh, expanding the wound cavity and inflicting secondary trauma.
If one's swordsmanship is good enough, maybe a blow or two can be deflected, but against a rain of arrows, holding out completely is nearly impossible.
The most reliable defense is a shield, especially a magical artifact shield—like those wielded by Ma San and the expert beside him. Once activated, they can cover a decent area; with the wielder frantically pouring in True Qi, they hold out for a long time, quite effective against a labored Breaking Arrow Rain—though the consumption is tremendous.
