There are quite a few members of the Energy Sect stuck just before level 9.
The Four Sons of the Qi Sect, Elena, and Emperor Mu were all pacing back and forth outside the gates.
Saint Emperor Zhou's aptitude was lacking; after all these years, he's still at Level 8 Middle Stage. Or perhaps, lacking in opportunity and comprehension—unlike Emperor Mu, who frequently attains enlightenment.
Now that Lord Victor has reached level 9, everyone sees hope.
Where there is one, there will be two; every beginning is hard.
In the centuries to come, more level 9 Energy Sect members are certain to appear.
...
Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, it was already Nora Calendar 2600.
It had been 2488 years since the Blood Battle.
Two centuries had passed since the Nightmare War.
The war had left Nora to flourish rapidly in the aftermath.
