Version 9 isn't out yet. The current version is 8.
You should be able to go directly to 8, just be careful of where you save before updating since V8 changed a lot of areas. Gearen Laboratory is probably the safest place to save in before updating.
Also, if you want to start over for V8, I'd be happy to give you an Eevee if you send me the new file when/if you start over.