Biako
using a wet towel to pull out a vessel hot enough to melt iron? the cook in me cringes. oven mitts must be akin to a desert in terms of moistness because the water transfers thermal energy far more quickly and efficiently than dry fabric does. But so far a compelling start. A protag who immediately engages in lumberworking, carpentry, pottery and smelting upon reincarnating and discovering his ability to cultivate is nil...for now! Dun-dun-DUN!!!!
Ummmm.... as someone who took classes in welding, metal sculpture, metallurgy, and several state and government required safety courses, I would like to point out that using a wet towel to move something hot enough to melt iron is a bad idea. First: the water in the towel will instantly heat to boiling burn your hands, Second: a crucible may survive the temperature shock a simple clay jar will most likely shatter or even explode dropping hot liquid iron on you.
I've still not been given a reason to care for the MC. How am I supposed to relate to them? I also would like to point out that people tend to take the simplest course to their desired end. A box nailed closed and covered in mud or clay would be a much faster way to have made a sealed container. Also if you plan to reference anything in a technical manner I'd highly suggest you do a decent amount of research about it first.