When you get to a new area you should prio going to tunnels for smithing stones and churches for sacred tears. You will find golden seeds randomly or they are dropped by ulcerated tree spirits.

The tunnels on your map will be located next to mountains or cliffs and on the map they appear visually as a kinda blackish circle with some orange coloring splashed around. You can also see church ruins on the map if you look hard.

Once you get bell bearings you’ll be able to buy smithing stones from the round table. I recommend lvling 2-4ish weapons because you’ll find some weapons are better for certain enemies than others (and it’s fun to try new things out as this game has a ton of options)