Circumstances behind North Beggar's loss of his finger?

North Beggar Hung 7 Gung also had the nickname "9-Fingered Divine Beggar" because of the self-inflicted loss of his right index finger as penance for inadvertently causing the death of an innocent man as a result of his food cravings.

Questions.

1). What were the circumstances that put that man into danger, requiring Hung 7 Gung's intercession (which never came)?

2). Who was that man? Was he a member of the Beggar's Union?

The TVB version starring Marco Ngai portrayed the man as the previous Beggar Clan leader. The deputy leader had injured him severely, but Hong had managed to rescue the old man and had taken refuge in a temple or something. He then went out to get provisions so they could continue running - they were aware that they were not safe yet as the deputy was still actively pursuing them. When Hong got the provisions and was on his way back to meet up with the old leader, he saw a very tasty bowl of food (or was it a stall, I can't remember) and he couldn't resist. He stopped, sat down, and enjoyed the meal before continuing on his way. He arrived *just* too late, as the deputy had found the injured leader and fatally wounded him. Hong then swore he'd never get distracted by good food and compromise the important priorities.

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Originally Posted by Ian Liew

The TVB version starring Marco Ngai portrayed the man as the previous Beggar Clan leader. The deputy leader had injured him severely, but Hong had managed to rescue the old man and had taken refuge in a temple or something. He then went out to get provisions so they could continue running - they were aware that they were not safe yet as the deputy was still actively pursuing them. When Hong got the provisions and was on his way back to meet up with the old leader, he saw a very tasty bowl of food (or was it a stall, I can't remember) and he couldn't resist. He stopped, sat down, and enjoyed the meal before continuing on his way. He arrived *just* too late, as the deputy had found the injured leader and fatally wounded him. Hong then swore he'd never get distracted by good food and compromise the important priorities.

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Interesting. I wonder if the novel ever discussed the circumstances in such detail.

I also wonder about Hung 7 Gung's age when this all happened. Was he still a young man (e.g. in his twenties or younger) when all this happened, or was he already a middle-aged Great who had perhaps already taken part in the First Mt. Hua Sword Tournament?

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Originally Posted by Ken Cheng

Interesting. I wonder if the novel ever discussed the circumstances in such detail.

I also wonder about Hung 7 Gung's age when this all happened. Was he still a young man (e.g. in his twenties or younger) when all this happened, or was he already a middle-aged Great who had perhaps already taken part in the First Mt. Hua Sword Tournament?

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Nah, it was all TVB's own poetic license with JY characters. Margo Ngai's H7G was in his mid 20s at the most, I think. He wasn't the most mature of people at that time.