I can only tell you from my own experiences in this game what I did and it may or may not help you.
You cannot try and rush things, doesn't work that way. The exalted gear you get from NPC Lionel is good enough for now. What is your class? Joining a clan is helpful, join parties, at your level you'll spend the next few levels in Beleth and vicinity where you have to grind.
Everything takes time in this games, it's not only the weapon and armour it's also the accessories, the dyes, tattoos, artifacts, agathions, jewels etc.
Just have fun, the longer you stay and have patience better gear will eventually come.