You can't count the number of 9th level spellcasters on one hand, but you can manage with two. 9th level spellcasters are individuals of legend. They are beyond matters such as politics and borders, existing in a sphere of power all their own. The mightiest of creatures fear them, and even powerful celestials and dragons take care to avoid earning their displeasure. After all, these individuals can rewrite reality itself. They exercise more power in The Material Plane than most gods are willing to expend. Many of them isolate themselves or travel the world disguised, hoping to avoid attention. Others attempt mad schemes of world domination.