Past the small temple is a large field of mud with a titanic worm and crossbow firing at you, trying to block you from tons of bodies full of consumable soul items. One of the optional areas some players might not find at first is the Smouldering Lake, which can be accessed by breaking and climbing down the bridge next to the boss room for High Lord Wolnir. Selling these grants even more souls when you make your way back to Firelink Shrine, and the bonfire’s so close that you can reset it and grind these knights extremely fast.
The reason this area is so easy is that you also get reliable item drops from them, which can include anything from equipment to various forms of titanite. Running up to the top of the stairs will let you face two knights with a sword and spear each, who can be killed quite easily with backstabs or through being knocked off the stairs. One of the fastest and most rapid places to grind is at the frozen gates of Anor Londo, just near the bonfire at the top of the spinning elevator.
